Meningococcal disease outbreak at Army Training School under control: Health officials

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The outbreak of Meningococcal disease at the Sri Lanka Army Recruit Training School in Vedditalativu is under control, Director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) said.   Twenty-five recruits have been hospitalized, with one in critical condition, while over 450 soldiers remain under quarantine as a precaution. Director Dr. Aruna Sandanayake told Daily Mirror that a critically ill recruit is currently receiving treatment at the ICC of the NIID in Angoda. “Health authorities report that all necessary steps have been taken to prevent further spread, assuring that the situation is being closely monitored and managed,” he said. Following the outbreak, training at the Vedditalativu School has been suspended, the Army said, adding that the facility is now under strict quarantine, with a Medical Officer overseeing measures to contain the disease.   

The recruits, who began training on November 11, 2024, were advised to seek medical treatment after showing symptoms of fever.