The Ministry of Health says 203 meningitis cases have been reported from several areas of the island so far, in the first island-wide aggregate count released since the outbreak began drawing attention this month.
Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said the cases have been recorded in the Deniyaya, Diyatalawa, Rikillagaskada and Kandy areas. He urged the public not to entertain any undue fear over the situation and said investigations into the cases have been launched.
The figure consolidates a cluster that health authorities have tracked over recent weeks. Cases of viral meningitis spreading among schoolchildren prompted early reassurances in late May, followed by a Health Ministry advisory covering four districts. A confirmed case at the Angunakolapelessa prison raised concern before seven suspected inmate cases were later found to be influenza, not meningitis.
Most cases tracked in the current wave have been attributed to viral (enteroviral) meningitis, which is generally less severe than the bacterial form and often resolves without specific treatment. Deniyaya was among the first areas flagged for a viral meningitis rise earlier in May. Health officials have advised the public to maintain hygiene and seek medical attention for persistent fever, severe headache or neck stiffness.
Update — May 29
The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has now issued a circular to all Provincial Directors of Education on preventive measures, based on instructions from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Ada Derana reported. The first cases were reported in Deniyaya, Matara District during April, and the disease has since been identified in the districts of Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Badulla. Epidemiological and environmental investigations have identified both cluster outbreaks and sporadic cases, with a significant number of infections reported among schoolchildren. The Ministry said the disease has a greater impact on children and individuals with weakened immune systems, and the circular asks schools to apply the necessary preventive measures to curb the further spread of the virus.
