One dead, 40 ill as virus hits Law College hostel

By Asif Fuard and Nadia Fazlulhaq

A Law College hostel student died of a suspected viral illness that has affected 40 students in the past three weeks, prompting hostel authorities to call in Colombo Municipal Council health officials to examine the premises.

Sudheera Matharaarachchi (27) from Padukka, residing at the Law College hostel in Rajagiriya, had been suffering from fever for the past several weeks. When his conditioned worsened yesterday, he was sent to the National Hospital but he died on the way, students said.

Six students with symptoms of fever were last night admitted to a private hospital in Colombo and The Sunday Times learns about 27 students and four minor workers are suffering from fever.

CMC officials said they sent a doctor and a health inspector to examine the hostel although the hostel is situated in the Kotte Municipal area.

Law College principal W.D. Rodrigo who is the non-resident warden of the hostel said dumping of garbage near the hostel had been a major health problem to the hostel students.

“We have complained to the Kotte Municipal Council several times about the garbage and mosquito problems but little or no action has been taken.” Mr. Rodrigo said.

The death of the student occurred as the Health Ministry yesterday warned of an outbreak of a viral flu in the Colombo municipal area. Tests conducted by the Medical Research Institute (MRI), show that blood samples obtained from patients in Colombo were negative for dengue, measles and rubella. Blood samples have been sent to Thailand for testing and the results will be available this week, health officials said.

They also said an outbreak of a viral flu had affected hundreds of people in Mannar.