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Sixty passengers screened for SARS, no positive cases

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Around 60 passengers have been screened at the Bandaranaike International Airport during the last few weeks for detecting carriers of the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS) virus.

However there had been no positive cases so far, a health official at the airport confirmed yesterday.

A majority of the screened passengers who showed similar symptoms had arrived from affected countries. The WHO listed Singapore, Toronto(Canada), Hanoi, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanxi and Guangdong as affected areas. "Of these passengers, only two were referred to the Infectious Dieases Hospital (IDH) for further examination but were later discharged," the official added.

Meanwhile, arrangements have been made to provide a special form for passengers arriving from Singapore, Hong Kong and Canada by Immigration officials at the airport.

"Passengers are advised to submit this form to doctors if they show any symptoms similar to SARS so that doctors will be in a better position to provide health-care to such persons," officials added.

So far, authorities have examined around ten suspected patients but they were later discharged as medical reports confirmed they were not affected by SARS. The Health Ministry has increased the number of medical staff at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake and strengthened medical facilities there.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority has also implemented a contingency plan with immediate effect in all ports to face a possible SARS threat. The plan will focus on Colombo, Galle and Trincomalee ports.

Earlier, the Ministry warned people against travelling to Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Vietnam which are listed as high risk countries affected by SARS. "Travelling in these countries may pose a severe health risk of contracting this deadly virus," the official added.

The major symptoms of this disease are high temperature (over 38 degrees C), coughing and difficulty in breathing.

Those infected with the virus may even develop pneumonia and need artificial respiration.

The virus is spread through air, person to person through direct contact with droplets by sneezing and coughing.

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