Open verdict on child believed to have died from Meningococcal infection

An open verdict has been returned into the death of an eight month old child believed to have died after an infection of Meningococcal.

The Inquirer into Sudden Deaths in Galle Chandrasena Lokuge said that it is suspected the death of the child that occurred during Friday was due to Meningococcal disease which is caused by a Bacteria.

Therefore the parents of the child and other close relatives have been instructed to carry out funeral ceremony as soon as possible, and to immediately seek hospital treatment if they fall ill, the Chief Judicial Medical Officer at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital Dr U.G.B Jayantha said.  

He added that he also instructed the family members and relatives of the deceased child to admit themselves to a hospitals as soon as possible if they observe of any symptom of the illness.   

Inquairer into Sudden Deaths Lokuge further elaborated that the deceased child had exhibited symptoms such as cold and fever. Afterwards the child was taken to dispensary for treatment. As the child did not get better from the treatment, she was admitted to Karapitiya Hospital on Friday.

The child had died while underoing treatment. According to the JMO who carried out the post mortem the child exhibited symptoms of Meningococcal infection,

Tissue samples of the deceased child have also been sent to Government Analyst's Department and the Medical Research institute to confirm whether the child was infected of the disease. He added that even though an open verdict was given on the death of the child they are awaiting the test reports to confirm the cause of death of the child.

He added that they have also notified the Galle City Medical Officer of Health. 

By Sirangika Lokukaravita