Rajitha says no H1N1 epidemic

Saturday, 8 April 2017 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne has dismissed claims that there was H1N1 epidemic in the country.

Addressing the weekly Cabinet briefing at Parliament, the Minister said H1N1 is another virus similar to influenza virus. While the disease is spreading in some parts of the country the situation is not as dire as reported and there is no danger of it becoming a countrywide epidemic, the Minister assured.

According to the Ministry of Health reports in the last three months there were only 528 patients, he said. The Health Minister said HiN1 is another form of influenza and it is dangerous to pregnant mothers, children and kidney patients and they should take precautions.

When asked about the travel alert issued by Qatar against its nationals visiting Sri Lanka, the Minister said the alert was issued based on false reporting of the situation.

“The media is blowing this out of proportion. As a result Qatar has issued a travel warning against visiting us,” Minister Senaratne said.

When questioned about the spread of dengue which has claimed 40 lives within the first three months of the year, the Minister stressed that the Health Ministry alone cannot control dengue from spreading. The Minister, pointing out that even in clean countries like Singapore around 30,000 cases have been reported, said a concerted effort by the people is needed to control the disease.