Epedemiologists warn:

Beware AH1N1 outbreak

Chaminda Perera

The Epidemiologist Unit of Sri Lanka has informed all sentinel hospitals about a possible outbreak of AH1N1 influenza after a number of new AH1N1 cases were detected in the country.

According to acting Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Peris, more than 20 new AH1N1 cases were found in Sri Lanka during October and a special circular has been issued to all hospitals to prepare for a possible outbreak. The Unit’s website on October 29 reported that highest number of confirmed AH1N1 cases were found in the Colombo district while several cases were also found from Gampaha, Nuwara Eliya and Kegalle districts respectively.

The Unit in a special circular under the hand of acting Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Peris said that all hospitals should be prepared to face the second wave of outbreak and all precautionary measures be followed by the health staffers under the circulars issued by the Unit in this regard earlier.

The unit in a circular issued to all hospitals on November 01, has strongly advocated that AH1N1 vaccines be given to all heathcare givers who deal with the patients directly.

The Ministry has informed all heads of the hospitals to ensure that fresh stocks of AH1N1 vaccines are available and that their staffers are immunized with the vaccine.

The Medical Research Institute (MRI) has recovered more than 20 new AH1N1 cases during September and October.

According to Dr. G. Wickremesinghe of Medical Research Institute , more than 20 suspected AH1N1 cases were confirmed positive and the Health Ministry and Epidemilogical Unit have been informed of the situation.

The first wave of pandemic which peaked in November and December last year caused deaths to 48 persons and there were 642 confirmed cases. Meanwhile , Director of Fever Hospital in Angoda, Dr. S. Arnold yesterday told the Daily News that more than 10 AH1N1 patients are receiving treatment from the Out Door Patients Department.

He stressed that there is no need to panic over the outbreak. He added that persons who are suffering from chronic illnesses should pay extra attention over the epidemic.

It was believed that this flu spread in the country from persons who arrive from foreign countries and surveillance was carried out at the BIA too.

However, no such surveillance is being carried out for several months now.