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Sri Lanka Reports Over 100 Suspected Meningitis Cases; Children Among Affected
The Pulse
HealthGeneralHOTMonday, May 25, 2026

Sri Lanka Reports Over 100 Suspected Meningitis Cases; Children Among Affected

TLDR

  • 250 suspected meningitis cases, mostly viral, spread widely.

  • Enterovirus identified; school children heavily affected; guidelines issued.

  • Fewer than 50 hospitalized; outbreak began April 15th in Deniyaya.

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Health has confirmed that a fever condition reported from multiple areas across the island is meningitis. Over 100 suspected cases have been identified, with a significant number of those affected being children, according to spinal fluid tests. Key symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, and neck stiffness. Cases have been reported in areas including Diyatalawa, Welimada, Rikillagaskada, and Deniyaya, with health officials noting potential spread through contaminated water and close contact. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, especially with the upcoming Vesak season potentially increasing transmission risks.

8 Updates

Update #9\u00b7 Jun 3 · 6:31 AM

Health officials have identified that the current meningitis outbreak is spreading due to a virus belonging to the Enterovirus group. The total number of suspected cases remains around 250, with fewer than 50 patients currently hospitalized across several areas.

Update #8\u00b7 Jun 3 · 1:30 AM

The number of suspected meningitis cases has risen to around 250 across several areas of the island. Currently, fewer than 50 patients are hospitalized. Dr. Harendra Dasanayake, Community Medicine Specialist of the Epidemiology Unit, noted that patients have been reported from areas including Deniyaya, Rikillagaskada, Diyatalawa, Welimada, and Kandy.

Update #7\u00b7 Jun 1 · 8:16 AM

The total number of suspected meningitis cases has risen to 237 across several parts of the island. Health officials now believe the majority of these cases are viral meningitis. The outbreak was first identified on April 15th in Deniyaya, Matara district, and has now been reported in Welimada, in addition to previously mentioned areas.

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