Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige has urged the public not to panic regarding the health emergency situation at Galle prison, as the situation is now under control.
During a news briefing, Dr. Ginige stated that all necessary preventive measures have been implemented to contain the spread of the bacteria within the prison.
Furthermore, swift actions have been taken, including contact tracing of inmates and administering appropriate medication, to prevent the bacteria from spreading in the community.
Dr. Ginige provided an update on the situation, stating that 10 inmates were receiving treatment at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, under the supervision of medical officers. Of these, four have already been discharged. Additionally, samples have been sent for testing, and as of now, no confirmed cases of infection have been reported.
Meningococcal disease, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides, is a rare condition in Sri Lanka, with only a few isolated cases reported previously.
