Risk of bacteria spread into society looms

In the context of the contagious Meningococcal disease spreading among the inmates at the Galle prison, medical experts opined that there is a risk of bacteria spreading in society.

Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Senior Consultant Physician at the Infectious Diseases Hospital told Daily Mirror that since it is a contagious disease, there is a possibility of bacteria moving out of the prison if those individuals who had visited the prison had maintained close contact with infected inmates.

However, DDG (Medical Services) Dr. G. Wijesuriya told Daily Mirror swift actions had been taken to prevent bacteria spread into society.

"Inmates and staff have also been administered with prophylactic antibiotics. Further investigations are being carried out to identify the primary source of the illness," he added.

In addition, Dr Wijesuriya said the relevant Medical Officers Of Health (MOH) had been informed to trace outsiders who recently visited the prison.

Meanwhile, in light of the situation, a health emergency has been declared at the Galle prison

According to the Health Ministry, Meningococcal is a contagious disease caused by a bacterium called Neisseria meningitides and it can cause meningitis, which is an infection of the brain and spinal cord, and it can also cause blood infections.

The Health Ministry has also confirmed that sixteen other inmates are currently receiving treatment for the same infection.

Meanwhile, the Galle Prison houses a total of 1,023 inmates.