Hand washing key as authorities monitor Meningitis situation

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Colombo, May 11 (Daily Mirror) - “Hand hygiene is the most critical preventive measure,” health experts warned as authorities keep a close eye to contain an enteroviral meningitis outbreak reported among schoolchildren in the Deniyaya Education Zone.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Dr. Maheshaka Wijayawardena, Consultant Paediatrician said enteroviruses are highly stable RNA viruses capable of surviving for long periods on contaminated surfaces.

“Viral meningitis is considered the most common neurological complication caused by enteroviruses, particularly among children. While most infections are self-limiting and patients recover without complications, severe illness may occur in neonates, young children and immunocompromised individuals,”

He said the virus spreads mainly through the fecal-oral route via contaminated hands, food or water and transmission may also occur through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected secretions and contaminated surfaces such as toys, door handles and medical equipment.

“The incubation period is typically between three and seven days, while infected individuals may continue shedding the virus through respiratory secretions for up to three weeks and through stools for as long as eight weeks,” Dr Wijayawardena explained.

The expert said reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing remains the gold standard for diagnosing enteroviral meningitis, with throat swabs and CSF samples recommended for laboratory confirmation.

Treatment is mainly supportive and includes hydration, fever control, pain management and close monitoring, he added.

As such, he urges parents and caregivers to ensure frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoid sharing personal items such as towels and utensils, maintain proper sanitation and keep symptomatic children at home while seeking early medical attention.

He reiterated that soap-and-water handwashing is more effective against enteroviruses, noting that alcohol-based hand sanitisers may be less reliable in preventing transmission.

A total of 48 suspected cases have so far been reported to the Epidemiology Unit in Colombo, while cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PCR tests have confirmed enteroviral meningitis in five children, according to health authorities.

As a precautionary measure, several schools in the area have also been temporarily closed as precautionary measures amid concerns over further spread of the infection.

Children admitted to the Deniyaya paediatric unit were reported to have shown symptoms including fever, severe headache, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia and signs of meningism.