AH1N1 influenza:

Priority to prevention

* Major campaign launched

* Death toll stands at 23

* Strict monitoring of hot spots

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena yesterday instructed relevant officials to conduct a major awareness campaign on preventive measures among risk groups as the deaths due to novel influenza(AH1N1) rose to 23, since the re-emergence of the virus in late September.

Health officials yesterday said that the high foot fall of people at locations such as shopping centres, transportation hubs etc. during the festive season, could act as a catalyst for the spread of the disease.

Although officials had relayed instructions previously to owners of shopping centres, heads of organizations etc. on the hygienic measures that should be adopted, they are not being properly adhered to, the Minister told health officials yesterday.

The Health Ministry told the Management of such institutions to take extra precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Among the measures proposed are cleaning the hand railings in building premises cum public and pay phones with a disinfectant at least seven or eight times a day.

Internet Cafe’s, private communication centres, super markets, public and private organizations etc. too are advised to follow the same procedures.

A Health Ministry sponsored hand bill containing preventive measures is to be issued to all identified institutions to be displayed in relevant locations for public benefit.

The PHIs, MOH and other public health officials are to visit identified hot spots to both lend advise and to monitor the procedures adopted by the management.

By yesterday the number of patients diagnosed with the virus had increased to over 350. A majority of the patients are from the Colombo District. Cases also have been reported from Gampaha, Kandy, Galle and Nuwara Eliya districts. Also health officials have made available AH1N1 influenza vaccines at all major hospitals. Measures have been taken to provide the vaccine to pregnant women, hospital staff, diabetic and asthma patients, etc. Identified risk groups and others could obtain the vaccine from state health institutions.

Health officials said that patients with an extended bout of flu and cough should immediately seek expert medical help.

They told people to adopt good hygienic practices and also to avoid overcrowded areas as much as possible. Health officials believe that with the adoption of enhanced preventive measures, they could effectively control the spread of the disease.