Meningococcal disease enters Colombo?

A patient with similar symptoms to the Meningococcal disease, which was initially detected at the Galle Prison  has been reported from the Colombo district.

The detected person aged 49 is employed at an office in Ratmalana and is a resident of Ja-ela.

According to reports, the patient had been admitted to the Kotelawala Defence University Hospital with fever and later had been transferred to the National Hospital after developing symptoms similar to the Meningococcal disease.  

However, Dr. Jayan Mendis, the Director of the Kotelawala Defence University Hospital, told Daily Mirror that no patient with symptoms of Meningococcal disease has been admitted to his hospital. In addition, the Director of the National Hospital is also unaware of any such admission to their facility.

Meawnhile, speaking to the Daily Mirror, Colombo Deputy Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Jayathilaka said the Gampaha MOH Office had informed them about such a patient and had further told them to be alert.

However, a senior health official said since it is a suspected case, it is yet to be ascertained whether the patient is diagnosed with Meningococcal disease.

In light of this development, close contacts of the patient had been administered with antibiotics as a precautionary measure. (Sheain Fernandopulle)