Swine flu claims 22 lives in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO — Swine flu in Sri Lanka has killed 22 people and infected more than 300 over the past two months, the island’s Health Ministry said on Monday.

Official figures showed that 22 people infected with A H1N1 — swine flu — had died since 25 October while 342 cases were reported during this period.

“The strain of influenza affects peoples’ lungs and triggers off a strain of viral pneumonia.

The heavy rains and the cold weather helped spread the virus,” government epidemiologist Sudath Peiris said.

The ministry urged people to avoid crowded places and ordered those managing public phone booths to disinfect them at least eight times daily.

The World Health Organisation declared the swine flu pandemic in August, more than a year after the new virus spread around the world, sparking panic and killing thousands before fizzling out.