Health Officials sounded warning on rising influenza infections seen mainly in the Ratnapura district.
Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardane said during past few weeks a number of pneumonia patients reported in Kalawana in Ratnapura district has increased and according to the investigations jointly conducted by a team of officials from the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry and Rathnapura Province health authorities, it has been identified that the spreading of Influenza A has resulted the the increase of pneumonia patients in the area.
He said that the influenza A viruses that routinely spread in people are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year and this seasonal influenza is a preventable infectious disease, mainly involving respiratory symptoms. He said that the hospitals have adequate drugs to treat these patients.
Sabaragamuwa Provincial Director of Health Services Dr.Kapila Kannangara said that the number of infections remained as 11 in April and it has now climbed to about 103 which included 75 females, 33 males and 12 children. Hospitalizations are also beginning to rise. He further said that around 14 influenza related deaths have been reported so far and majority of them are females above 75.
Consultant Virologist Dr.Jude Jayamaha said that due to the rainy weather prevailing these days, several Influenza cases have been reported recently, especially in and around Ratnapura District.”
“Type A influenza is a contagious viral infection that can have life-threatening complications if left untreated. So patients with respiratory symptoms with fever for more than a day should seek medical advice. Pregnant mothers and people with low immunity levels are the high risk groups.” he said.
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