Restrict travel to India - Chief Epidemiologist
Nadira GUNATILLEKE
Restrict travel to India as much as possible to prevent getting
infected with Novel Influenza (A)H1N1. Persons who cannot avoid trips to
India should take all precautionary actions to prevent getting infected,
Chief Epidemiologist, the Epidemiology Unit of the Healthcare and
Nutrition Ministry, Dr. Paba Palihawadana told the Daily News yesterday.
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An Indian commuter wears a protective mask as she waits for
a train in Mumbai yesterday. AFP |
Dr. Palihawadana said that since India is already affected by the
disease, Sri Lankans should avoid travelling to India as much as
possible. “A large number of Sri Lankan pilgrims visit India everyday
and it is the main risk that Sri Lanka is facing at the moment. They
should try their best to avoid or at least postpone such trips for some
time,” she said.
According to Dr. Palihawadana persons who visit India should take all
precautionary measures such as using masks, avoid attending events where
people gather, avoid mass gatherings as much as possible and keep away
from sick people (people who appear to be down with a flu), and wash
hands properly.
Persons who develop influenza type sickness after travelling abroad
should seek medical treatment and consult a doctor or the Infectious
Diseases Hospital (IDH), Angoda as soon as possible.
“If infected persons voluntarily come forward and seek medical
treatment they can protect their family members, loved ones and the
society,” she added.
Novel Influenza (A)H1N1 can spread among human beings very easily and
quickly. The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of influenza
and of influenza like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough,
difficulty in breathing, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and
fatigue.
Without proper treatment the symptoms can become serious and develop
into pneumonia or infection in the lungs which can be fatal. The disease
spreads just like any other ordinary flu.
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