Viral meningitis is spreading among schoolchildren in several areas of Sri Lanka, but Chief Health Epidemiologist Dr Palitha Karunapema said there was no need for undue fear, with the illness curable in 5–7 days with treatment.
The disease, first reported from Deniyaya in early May, has now been detected in three additional locations. Dr Karunapema said 28 cases have been reported from Diyatalawa, 13 from Welimada and 25 from Rikillagaskada. All affected patients have been admitted to hospital.
The illness predominantly affects schoolchildren, with common symptoms including high fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. Health authorities are carrying out a thorough investigation and have confirmed the condition as viral meningitis through testing.
“It was first identified in Deniyaya, and later cases were reported from hospitals in Diyatalawa, Welimada, and Rikillagaskada. Proper investigations and testing have been carried out, and the condition has been confirmed,” Dr Karunapema said. “With treatment, the disease can be cured within 5–7 days. Therefore, there is no need for undue fear. Necessary measures are being taken to control the situation, and all patients are receiving proper care.”
He urged the public to remain cautious during the ongoing rainy season and Vesak period, and to take precautions to prevent further spread. The infection can spread through contaminated food and water, making hygiene essential. Health authorities are working in close coordination with schools to minimise further transmission.
The Deniyaya outbreak originally closed four schools in mid-May before they were reopened on May 13. The geographic spread to the Uva and Nuwara Eliya districts marked the first multi-district extension of the cluster.
The Health Ministry on Saturday raised the total to 116 suspected cases islandwide after Deniyaya reported a further 50 patients — the largest single-district count since the outbreak began. Dr Karunapema reiterated that the disease spreads primarily through contaminated food or water and urged hygienic practices, particularly given the ongoing rainy weather. The combined case breakdown at that stage stood at Deniyaya 50, Diyatalawa 28, Rikillagaskada 25 and Welimada 13.
Health Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe on Sunday formally confirmed the diagnosis after laboratory tests on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples returned positive for meningitis. He said more than 100 patients have now been identified from Deniyaya, Diyatalawa, Kurunegala and Kandy, with the majority being children — bringing the formal MoH-confirmed footprint to four administrative districts.
Dr Jasinghe said meningitis can spread through close contact, contaminated drinking water and physical contact, and urged the public not to panic. He listed common symptoms as fever, headaches, vomiting and nausea, neck stiffness and sensitivity to sunlight, and advised drinking boiled water, wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places as precautionary measures.
