Health authorities have ruled out any contact history between the eight-month-old infant who passed away with symptoms similar to Meningococcal disease and the two inmates at Galle Prison who died of the disease.

Concerns arose about the potential community spread of Meningococcal disease after the infant's death at Karapitiya Hospital.

The infant was admitted to Karapitiya Hospital with symptoms resembling Meningococcal disease and passed away upon admission last Saturday (August 26th).

The actual cause of the infant's death is yet to be determined, as samples are currently being tested.

However, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Konara Somaratne, told Daily Mirror that there is no known link between the infant and the inmates who died of Meningococcal disease at Galle Prison.

Dr. Somaratne stated that all contacts of the inmates had been traced and no connection with the infant was found.

“In response, health officials have traced all contacts of the eight-month-old infant and administered antibiotics as a precautionary measure. These contacts have also been instructed to immediately inform health officials if they experience symptoms similar to Meningococcal disease,” Dr Somaratne added.

Two inmates at the Galle prison passed away recently due to the Meningococcal disease. Following the incident, several inmates who developed similar symptoms were admitted to the Karapitiya Hospital.

However, all except one patient receiving treatment at the Hospital have been discharged and the situation at the Galle prison is now under control, said Dr Somaratne.