News
8 more deaths as viral flu spreads
The death toll due to the influenza virus rose to 32 this week, with eight more deaths and more cases reported, health officials said. The four new deaths were recorded from different parts of the country — Vavuniya, Jaffna, Ratnapura, Kandy and the Southern Province.
Emergency: Masks come up as virus spreads With the influenza virus spreading all over the country and the death toll rising to 32, emergency precautionary measures are being taken as shown in this picture with visitors to Vavuniya Hospital wearing masks. Pic by Priyantha Hewage
Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit Senior Registrar Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana,said that eight new deaths in the high-risk group had occurred because the victims had not sought treatment on time. He said one of those who died was diagnosed as an H1N1 victim.
“Children under 2 years, those over 65 and patients with chronic diseases who have fever or respiratory problems should seek medical treatment, immediately,” he warned. The Senior Registrar said hospitals had been told to start on the influenza anti-viral treatment as soon as patients came with symptoms of the virus without waiting for the test reports.
Dr. Liyanapathirana said health care givers had been given protective equipment such as special masks that give special protection during aerosol generating procedures, involving coughing and sneezing.The epidemiology unit said that 150 patients suspected of being afflicted by the seasonal virus were being treated at various hospitals.
Hospital officials from Vavuniya, Beruwela and Kalutara said patients suspected of carrying this virus were being admitted on a daily basis, but had to be transferred to other hospitals due to the lack of proper facilities.