Colombo braces for Meningococcal disease

• Newly detected patient was first rejected by the KDU Hospital
• Patient is being treated and getting better
• People asked to be vigilant over symptoms

In the wake of a new patient with Meningococcal disease being found from the Colombo District, the health authorities have requested people to be alert on the symptoms of the disease. 

According to health officials, the common symptoms of the Meningococcal disease include fever, chills, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet.   
The disease, was initially detected at the Galle prison.   

The newly detected person aged 49 is employed at an office in Ratmalana and is a resident of Niwangama, Ja-Ela.   

According to reports, the patient had been admitted to the Kotelawala Defence University Hospital with fever and later had been transferred to the National Hospital after developing symptoms similar to the Meningococcal disease. However, Dr. Jayan Mendis, Director of Kotelawala Defence University Hospital, told Daily Mirror that no patient with symptoms of Meningococcal disease has been admitted to his hospital.   

Further, a top health official said the patient had been rejected by the KDU Hospital.   

In addition, National Hospital sources told Daily Mirror that a patient with Meningococcal disease was admitted to the hospital and is being treated.   

“His condition is now improving, the source said.   

Meanwhile, speaking to Daily Mirror, Colombo Deputy Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Jayathilaka said the Gampaha MOH Office had informed them about such a patient and had further told them to be alert.   

In light of this development, close contacts of the patient had been administered with antibiotics as a precautionary measure.