Only 2 meningococcal infections reported outside Galle Prison: Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health, through tests conducted by the Medical Research Institute (MRI), has officially confirmed only two cases of ‘meningococcal’ infections to date. Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), refuted recent media reports suggesting the spread of this bacterial infection in the Colombo district. He clarified that only two infections have been reported, one in Galle and the other in Colombo.

Dr. Gunawardena provided further details, explaining that one infection occurred within Galle Prison, while the other was in Colombo. The second patient, a resident of Ja-Ela, is currently receiving treatment at Colombo National Hospital and is on the path to recovery.

Regarding the recent child’s death at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle, Dr. Gunawardena stated that although meningococcal meningitis was initially suspected, subsequent tests confirmed that the child did not have the infection.