Only four infected with AH1N1 virus

A Sumanasena, Kolonnawawa group cor

Out of the 35 patients detected with the respiratory influenza virus at the Angoda National Institute of Mental Health, only four are found to be infected with the AH1N1 virus, institute director Jayan Mendis said.

He said the four patients who were nurses attached to ward nine of the hospital have now fully recovered.

Dr Mendis disclosed this at a meeting at the institute auditorium yesterday to brief the institute staff about the true situation in the hospital following the temporary closure of ward nine and dispel public fears.

Dr Mendis said this virus infection is not critical and all steps have been taken to prevent it from spreading.

He said all patients in the infected ward are now transferred to another ward.

Consultant Dr Nayani Suriyaarachchi said patients infected with the disease should use a handkerchief to cover their faces when sneezing to prevent germs afflicting people nearby.