A 54-year-old inmate from Matara Prison, who had been in critical condition in the Matara General Hospital's intensive care unit, has succumbed to a suspected case of brain fever.
This incident marks the second fatality within the prison. Dr. Hemantha Ranasinghe, the Director of Health Services at Matara Prison, officially confirmed the inmate's demise.
Following a surge in fever cases On December 22, multiple inmates from Matara Prison were admitted to Matara Hospital.
The first death due to the brain fever was reported on December 22.
Expressing deep concern, Dr. Ranasinghe highlighted the heightened risk of disease outbreaks within Sri Lankan prisons, attributing it to severe overcrowding.
Dr. Ranasinghe emphasized the urgent need for immediate attention to address and rectify this persisting problem, indicating the potential threat to the overall health and well-being of inmates.
