Viral Illness Similar to Meningitis Reported In Multiple Areas: Health Ministry Urges Public to Follow Preventive Measures

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Health has urged the public to follow health and safety guidelines to help control the spread of a suspected Meningitis cases reported from several areas.

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, stated that health authorities remain on alert regarding these reported cases.

According to Deputy Min. patients were first reported in Deniyaya, and currently patients have been reported from areas in Rikillagaskada, Diyathalawa and Kandy. 

The officials are closely monitoring if any new patients have been reported or the spread of the illness from the current patients reported. 

Dr. Wijemuni explained that the disease is reportedly a type of Infleunza that shows signs of Meningitis. 

He also said that the Medical Research Institute (MRI) is continuously monitoring the virus category linked to the illness.

As ground level research activities on the viral illness continue, Deputy Minister of Health Dr.Wijemuni urged the public to not panic unnecessarily and assured that relevant precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease to other areas are already in place. 

Fever, headaches, vomiting and nausea, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to sunlight have been identified as symptoms of Meningitis.

The Ministry of Health stated that the disease can spread through close contact, contaminated drinking water, and physical contact.

To prevent the spread of the illness, the Ministry advised the public to drink safe water, have the face covered with face masks, and avoid remaining in crowded places.