- Advised to prioritise hygiene amid meningitis concerns
Consultant Community Physician of the Epidemiology Unit Dr Thilanga Ruwanpathirana yesterday (26) called on organisers of Vesak and Poson dansals to register with the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices.
Addressing the media at the Health Promotion Bureau, he said that organisers should submit essential details including the location of the dansala, names of organisers, the main coordinating person, address, and contact information.
He noted that Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) would then provide basic guidance on conducting dansals in a safe and hygienic manner, adding that organisers also have a responsibility to actively seek and follow such guidance.
“Given the current concern over meningitis in the country, dansals should be conducted with stronger-than-usual attention to hygiene and food safety,” he said.
Although there is no official ban, health authorities have requested organisers to minimise the distribution of cold beverages this year.
Instead, organisers have been encouraged to provide safer alternatives such as tea, coffee and herbal drinks including ranawara. Dr Ruwanpathirana said beverages prepared using boiled and cooled water are particularly recommended.
Specialist Community Physician of the Epidemiology Unit Dr Thushani Dabarera said that meningitis-like illness is reported annually in Sri Lanka as an infectious disease and that current observations and laboratory findings suggest the present cases are linked to a viral infection affecting the brain. She added that the condition can also be caused by fungi and bacteria.
According to Dr Dabarera, the first case this year was reported in April from the Kotapola-Deniyaya area. During the past month, cases have also been reported from Rikillagaskada in the Nuwara Eliya District, Theldeniya in the Kandy District, and Welimada and Diyatalawa in the Badulla District.
“Around 200 cases have been reported so far, with approximately 50 patients currently under treatment. The symptoms observed include fever, vomiting, headache and neck stiffness. No deaths have been reported,” she said.
She added that with the prevailing rainy conditions and large public gatherings, authorities have already taken all necessary preparedness measures in case of a rise in infections.
Dr Dabarera further noted that meningitis could spread in crowded places such as schools, meetings and public transport. “Therefore, our advice is that anyone who is unwell should avoid attending such gatherings. If a child is sick, they should not be sent to school,” she said.