Public urged not to have undue fears about meningitis

Health officials have urged the members of the public not to have undue fears about meningitis, after one of the inmates at the Matara Prison tested positive.

The biological samples of four Matara Prison inmates, who were among those hospitalized after suddenly falling ill recently, were sent to the Medical Research Institute in Borella for testing.

Last week, at least 17 prisoners were admitted to the District General Hospital in Matara after they fell sick and displayed similar symptoms. It was suspected they were suffering from meningitis.

According to the director of the prison hospital, Dr. Hemantha Ranasinghe, only one of the four inmates whose samples were sent for testing was confirmed as a case of meningitis.

Meanwhile, one prisoner was previously reported dead due to suspected brain fever. 

Owing to the situation, the Prisons Department implemented stringent health measures at the Matara Prison and stopped accepting new inmates to the establishment.

Earlier today, it was reported that two inmates are undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while the others are receiving medical attention in a normal hospital ward.

Meanwhile, antibiotics have been given to the inmates and officials of the Matara Prison to ensure their safety.