Festivals cancelled due to the spread of meningitis in Matara

Health authorities are paying close attention to the Vesak festival scheduled to be held in Matara later this month, due to the viral meningitis disease reported from the Deniyaya area in the Southern Province. As this disease can easily spread from person to person, extensive discussions have already begun regarding the comprehensive measures to be taken to prevent the spread of the disease within the upcoming Matara Vesak zone.

Following a special discussion between the Southern Provincial Director of Health Services, Dr. N.D.S. Panditharatne, and the Southern Province Governor, steps have been taken to implement a strict sanitation program in school premises before schools reopen. Accordingly, schools have been completely cleaned over the past few days, and authorities are working to maintain some distance among students and implement awareness programs by displaying posters within schools. Furthermore, the doctor points out that there is a risk of this condition spreading among adults as well, as teachers with symptoms such as fever and vomiting have also been reported.

The Southern Provincial Governor's Office emphasizes that special attention should be paid to preschools and early childhood development centers operating in the Deniyaya area. To ensure the health safety of young children, it has been proposed to clean preschools, strictly follow daily hygiene procedures, constantly monitor children's health status, and implement special awareness programs for parents. Additionally, as unhygienic food habits and water source-related issues have been identified as major causes for the spread of the disease, programs for chlorinating water have already been implemented.

Local government bodies and Divisional Secretariats have begun working together to combat this health threat. Under this initiative, the cleaning of school and preschool premises, systematic waste management, maintenance of water facilities, and community awareness programs, as well as the organization of shramadana (voluntary labor) campaigns, are being systematically carried out under the leadership of the respective institutions.