Govt. says all steps being taken to fight influenza

The Government informed Parliament yesterday that it has taken all possible measures to fight the spread of influenza, which is easily controllable with vaccines. 

According to the Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, the approval of the National Technical Committee on Influenza is waiting on the commencement of vaccine distribution.

“The vaccine is already registered in Sri Lanka, but distribution of it is not my decision. There are a number of specialists on the National Technical Committee on Influenza who will decide on the matter,” the Minister said.

According to the Government, there is a significant drop in the number of influenza patients reported from 31 May to 3 June in Sri Lanka. 

“There have been 2,510 influenza patients reported from Galle, Matara and Hambantota as at 3 June 2018. Accordingly, 930 patients from Galle, 864 from Matara and 716 from Hambantota are reported. Unfortunately, 15 deaths were reported due to the influenza virus,” he added. (AH)