Southern Province Director of Health Services Dr. N.G.S. Panditharatne said findings from a team of specialist doctors investigating the outbreak confirmed concerns regarding the safety of the water sources.
According to health officials, around 50 suspected viral fever patients have been reported so far.
Due to the rapid spread of the illness among students, four schools in the Deniyaya Education Zone have been temporarily closed. The affected schools are Deniyaya Central College, Deniyaya Rajapaksa Maha Vidyalaya, Deniyaya St. Matthew’s Bilingual College and Pallegama Siddhartha College.
A special team from the Epidemiology Unit attached to the Ministry of Health has also arrived in the area to conduct further investigations into the outbreak.
Health authorities currently suspect that some patients may be suffering from Meningitis, an infection affecting the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Doctors warned that meningitis can become life-threatening if not treated quickly and may also cause permanent damage to the nervous system.
Symptoms associated with the disease include severe headaches, high fever, neck stiffness, vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to light, confusion and drowsiness.
Health officials noted that the infection can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing and sharing personal items used by infected individuals.
Authorities further stated that maintaining proper hygiene, receiving vaccinations and obtaining timely antibiotic treatment can help prevent the spread of the disease.
