Influenza A/H1N1 cases increasing in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Epidemiology Unit of health Ministry statistics showed that the influenza A/H1N1 was spreading fast in the country with 22 deaths being reported so far.

The Unit states that out of the twenty two deaths reported due to the influenza A/H1N1, nine were reported within the last week.

According to the Unit, the number of persons diagnosed with the virus has also increased to 342.

The highest number of patients has been reported from the Colombo District with 105 being infected. Among the other districts that have reported swine flu patients are Gampaha (23), Kandy (19), Galle (11) and Nuwara Eliya (10).

The World Health Organization has offered Sri Lanka 1.5 million vaccines to prevent the disease, the Ministry says. The vaccine which costs around Rs. 10,000 per shot is available in main hospitals in the Medial Officer of Health Divisions.

People with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, renal problems, and diabetes are advised to get the vaccine.

The employees of health, security, Electricity Board, and water supply are also given the vaccine free of charge, the Ministry says.