(A) H1N1 on the decline

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Only one (A)H1N1 case was reported from Sri Lanka in early February and this shows that the disease is under control and out of epidemic level. The number of (A)H1N1 patients reported from the country in January is 54, Epidemiology Unit Director, Dr. Paba Palihawadana said.

According to Dr. Palihawadana, although the disease reduced significantly and is not an epidemic any longer, if this situation can change at any time with the trends in other countries.

Therefore the public should be vigilant and need to follow all the steps that help to maintain good personal hygiene.

When the outbreak reported from Mexico in early 2009, the Ministry allocated 20 sentinel hospitals in 20 districts to treat (A)H1N1 and also obtained required drugs, medical equipment and masks from the WHO.