Hospital sources have reported that an outbreak of Meningococcal, a rare type of bacteria, has resulted in the deaths of two inmates at Galle prison.
Additionally, four other inmates are currently undergoing treatment at Galle Karapitiya Hospital for the same condition.
Although two of the inmates undergoing treatment have tested positive for the Meningococcal bacteria, further tests are being conducted on the remaining two inmates, according to a senior spokesperson from the hospital who responded to Lankasara’s inquiry.
Meningococcal, an uncommon bacterium in external environments, is rarely encountered in confined spaces such as shelters.
Symptoms of the disease include muscle pain, vomiting, stool discharge, and it is primarily transmitted through the respiratory tract, leading to Meningococcal septicaemia.
In an effort to contain the spread of the disease within the prison, all inmates are currently being administered Ciprofloxacin, a prescribed antibiotic medication. This measure has been implemented to prevent further outbreak and to provide timely treatment to those affected.
A few years ago, a similar outbreak of this disease occurred in Mahara prison, and it was successfully managed through the administration of Ciprofloxacin.
