No bird flu threat

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Bird flu (Avian Influenza - H5N1) has not been reported in Sri Lanka so far. Howeve, health authorities did not rule out the risk factors of the epidemic that has affected neighbouring countries such as India, Pakistan, China, Indonesia and Thailand.

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has taken precautions and is ready with the drugs, medical equipment and facilities to keep patients separately during treatment, Ministry’s Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Paba Palihawadana said.

Dr. Palihawadana said hospitals have been granted funds under the National Preparedness and Response. Arrangements have made to upgrade the laboratory system. Sri Lanka has received Rs. 350 million from the World Bank for the National Avian/Pendamic Influenza Preparedness and Response Programme.

According to Dr. Palihawadana there are several risk factors for Sri Lanka and migratory birds are one of them which is beyond control.

The other risk factors are increased travel and trade, live poultry markets, unhygienic poultry handling, importation of poultry products and importation of pet birds. Importation of poultry products have been restricted by the Government and importation of pet birds have been completely banned.

Explaining the danger posed to the country, Dr. Palihawadana said when affected with bird flu, the country’s economy also suffers because all affected farms should be destroyed completely. A total of 246 patients of 390 affected persons have been killed due to bird flu in the world up to September this year.

Over 150 million birds have been destroyed.

Bird flu does not transmit from man to man. It only transit from birds and animals to human beings.

The symptoms of bird flu are influenza like syndrome, fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches which can exacerbate to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress with a history of close contact with birds or dead birds and animals.