Five students detected with Novel Influenza

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Epidemiology Unit of the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry warned the public of a possible outbreak of Novel Influenza (A)HINI (Swine flu) after five students infected with the virus were detected at a leading international school in Colombo yesterday, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, the Unit says the virus can travel within the country spreading the disease.

Epidemiology Unit Director Dr. Paba Palihawadana has sent circulars to health authorities to prevent a possible outbreak of Novel Influenza (A)HINI in schools.

According to instructions issued to school authorities by the Epidemiology Unit, they should order students and teachers who have symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing not to attend schools without waiting for 24 hours for the disappearance of such symptoms. The school authorities should temporarily isolate students who suffer from cold and provide medical treatment.

If the number of affected students goes up, school authorities should contact the MOH Office of the relevant area and close the school forseven days depending on the intensity of the disease spreading, the unit says.

If a person is tested positive for (A)HINI and is forced to receive treatment at home, he or she should stay at home until fully recovered from the disease and restrict travelling in crowded and public places.

People should use soap and wash hands often to avoid a possible outbreak and avoid close contacts with persons who suffer from colds and flu.

Healthy persons should wear masks while associating with persons suffering from cold and flu.

Details can be obtained from the Epidemiology Unit, Epidemiologist of the area and the MOH Office.

Details in connection with treatment can be obtained from the doctors attached to the specific hospitals allocated to treat (A)H1N1.

The Ministry has allocated several hospitals in every area to treat (A)H1N1 patients during a possible outbreak.

* Students and teachers who have fever, cough, sore

throat, difficulty in breathing should not attend schools.

* If diagnosed with (A)H1N1 he or she should stay at home till fully recovered from the disease and avoid public places and crowded places.

* The persons who are suffering from cold and flu should be isolated from teachers and students.

* Close schools for seven days if the number of affected students/teachers go up (considering the intensity of the spreading of the disease).

* Wash hands often, avoid direct contact with affected persons, public places and crowded places, wear masks.