Sri Lanka, May 24 -- Meningitis is the cause of the illnesses, including fever, reported from several parts of the island, according to the Ministry of Health.

Laboratory tests conducted on cerebrospinal fluid samples confirmed the disease, stated the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Specialist Dr Anil Jasinghe.

Children constitute the majority of the reported patients.

Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headaches, vomiting and nausea, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to sunlight.

The disease can spread through close contact, contaminated drinking water, and physical contact, noted Specialist Dr Anil Jasinghe.

More than 100 patients face identification from Deniyaya, Diyatalawa, Kurunegala, and Kandy.

The public must not panic...