Meningococcal disease sees community spread?

• Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like fever and chills, fatigue (feeling tired), vomiting, cold hands and feet persist

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In the wake of the death of an eight-month-old infant at the Karapitiya Hospital, concerns have sparked over the community spread of Meningococcal disease, which was first detected at the Galle prison recently.

The infant who had been admitted with similar symptoms to the Meningococcal disease had died on admission to the Karapitiya Hospital on Saturday (26).

As such, the Health authorities are currently investigating to determine whether the death can be attributed to the Meningococcal disease, which saw a spread in the Galle prison.
However, Regional Director of Health Services Dr Konara Somaratne told Daily Mirror that although they suspect that the death could be due to the Meningococcal disease, it’s yet to be ascertained whether the death was directly due to the Meningococcal disease. “The samples of the body have been directed for further investigation,” he added.

The victim was a resident of Thalapitiya. In this context, the Health officials request people to seek immediate medical aid if symptoms like fever and chills, fatigue (feeling tired), vomiting, cold hands and feet persist.

Two inmates passed away recently due to the Meningococcal disease, with several other inmates currently receiving treatment at the Karapitiya Hospital.
The Health Ministry has confirmed that the two deaths were directly due to the Meningococcal disease.