Referring to the recent deaths of two inmates at the Galle Prison, the Ministry of Health announced that the deaths were caused by a rare and serious illness called Meningococcal disease caused by a bacterium.

Initial investigations have determined that the inmates were infected with the Meningococcus bacteria, which can lead to this illness.

According to a Health Ministry official, the disease can cause meningitis, which is an infection of the brain and spinal cord, and it can also cause blood infections. Meningococcal is a contagious disease caused by a bacterium called Neisseria meningitides.

The Health Ministry has also confirmed that sixteen other inmates are currently receiving treatment for the same infection.

Meanwhile, the Prisons Department has disclosed that the two deceased inmates were remand prisoners who had suddenly become ill and had died. Symptoms such as fever and phlegm have been observed among the infected inmates.