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| Sunday, 26 December 2004 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Viral flu B: No risk of spreading by Shanika Sriyananda Though there is no risk of spreading the viral influenza B to other parts of the country, the epidemiologists warn the public to avoid large gatherings and advise to seek early medical treatment when there are cough, fever and breathing difficulties. However, the Medical Research Institute has identified the mysterious viral fever as the Influenza B. But, according to epidemiologists, the normal vaccine for influenza B cannot be administered to these patients without a clear diagnosis of the type of the virus and strains. Meanwhile, 75 suspected cases have been reported from Embilipitiya and out of seven deaths, three have been confirmed as having the strains of influenza B virus. Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, Director Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health told the 'Sunday Observer' that the virus is now spreading only in Embilipitiya and its surrounding areas but not in other parts of the country. " No cases have been reported from Matara last week. Twenty patients with influenza B symptoms have been transferred from Embilipitiya to Infectious Diseases Hospital, Colombo and their condition is not serious", he said. According to Dr. Abeysinghe, symptoms of the acute viral like pneumonia are fever, headache, myalgia, prostration, sore throat and cough. "Best advice is for those suspected of influenza B is to seek medical treatment at early stages and avoid self medication", he said. A circular, with details of the influenza, symptoms and precautionery measures, has already been issued by the Health Ministry to all provincial health directors, deputy directors and regional epidemiologists to contain the spread of the virus to other areas. |
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