<P>Health Ministry reports: First Swine Flu case

<P>The first person diagnosed with Swine Flu has been found in the country, said Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva this evening at a hurriedly convened press conference held at the Health Ministry in Colombo.

<P>The patient detected from Wattala is an eight-year old boy who has arrived from Australia to attend a wedding function. He had come with his father last Sunday, June 14. 

<P>As the boy was suffering from high fever and cough the parents have informed the Australian High Commission in Colombo, which later informed the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry.

<P>The boy was thereafter admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Angoda, where he is receiving treatment at present.

<P>The Minister requested the public not to panic as all necessary medicines to treat Swine Flu is available in the country and the Ministry was prepared for any eventuality. The Government has already drawn plans to contain the spreading of Swine Flu, he added.