The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has issued an urgent circular to all Provincial Directors of Education regarding the spread of Enterovirus Meningitis in several districts across Sri Lanka. The directive aims to inform school authorities and enforce immediate preventive measures to stop the virus from spreading further among school children.
According to epidemiological investigations, cases were initially reported in April 2026 from the Deniyaya area in the Matara district. Currently, cases have also been identified in the Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Badulla districts. The ministry emphasizes that immediate action is necessary as school children are among the most vulnerable.
🛑 How the Disease Spreads
The Ministry of Health notes that the virus is transmitted primarily through:
- The oral route: Via contaminated water, contaminated food, and unwashed/unclean hands.
- The respiratory route: Via respiratory droplets or close contact with an infected individual.
⚠️ Key Symptoms to Watch For
The illness typically presents as an inflammation of the brain membranes (meningitis), starting with a sudden fever accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Stiff neck
- Restlessness, discomfort, or general malaise
- Seizures or fits
- Changes in consciousness or altered mental state
Important: Any student displaying these symptoms must be immediately referred for a professional medical examination.
🧼 Standard Prevention and Control Guidelines for Schools
School authorities are advised to strictly implement the following hygiene and sanitation measures:
- Hand Hygiene: Ensure students wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
- Safe Water: Maintain a clean water supply and proper sanitary facilities.
- Disinfection: Clean restrooms and frequently touched surfaces (such as door handles, locks, etc.) regularly. Disinfect them at least 3 to 5 times a day.
- Respiratory Etiquette: Instruct students to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing, or to use the inner elbow. Used tissues must be disposed of safely in closed bins.
- Social Distancing & Masks: Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms. Encourage students with mild respiratory symptoms to wear masks.
- Ventilation: Ensure classrooms are adequately ventilated by keeping windows and doors open whenever possible.
- Crowd Control: Avoid overcrowded group activities inside classrooms.
🎪 Guidelines for Special School Activities (e.g., Dansal)
If schools are organizing special community events or food stalls (Dansal):
- Organizers must strictly follow the “Safe and Hygienic Dansal” guidelines issued by the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health.
- Involve local Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) or Medical Officers of Health (MOH) to monitor health standards.
- Educate students to ensure that those exhibiting any illness symptoms do not participate in large group gatherings.
🍽️ Guidelines for School Food Providers / Canteen Vendors
Food suppliers and canteen staff must follow strict sanitary protocols:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing and serving food, and after using the toilet.
- Use safe and clean water for cooking and cleaning.
- Any food handler showing symptoms of illness must immediately stop working and seek medical care.
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize the food preparation areas, utensils, and equipment before cooking.
- Store prepared food and drinking water in properly cleaned and securely covered containers.
The Ministry has requested all Provincial Directors to urgently notify all Piriven Chiefs, Principals, and heads of educational institutes in their respective zones to pay close attention to these instructions and take necessary precautions during daily school operations.
Source: Ministry of Education Official Circular (Ref: ED/16/02/06/01/2/2026)
