Influenza A virus found at Castle Street Maternity Hospital

Nadira Gunatilleke

A Media Research Institute (MRI) investigation discovered Influenza A virus at the closed Intensive Care Unit of the Castle Street Maternity Hospital, Colombo, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, Influenza A virus is not something strange.

It can be discovered often under normal conditions. About two patients are admitted to countrywide hospitals annually due to Influenza A virus infection. But, this virus can cause serious complications in pregnant mothers because," the spokesman said .

" Health Ministry has already taken measures to control the situation. Arrangements have been made to sterilize the closed ICU while the patients treated in the ICU have been isolated for treatment as a precautionary measure, "he said.

"Since the Health Ministry has already taken steps to control the virus there is no reason to panic," he added.