Last night, eight more Matara prison inmates, displaying symptoms of meningitis, were admitted to the hospital, making a total of 16 receiving treatment.
Commissioner of Prisons Gamini B. Dissanayake mentioned that two of them are currently in the Intensive Care Unit, and regrettably, one inmate succumbed to the illness on Saturday.
Steps have been taken to limit visitors to the Matara Prison.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by infection. It can be fatal and requires immediate medical care.
Meningitis can be caused by several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Most infections can be transmitted from person to person. Injuries, cancers and drugs cause a small number of cases.