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Cholera warning in Jaffna

Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Health officials have warned local authorities and travellers to Jaffna to beware of a possible outbreak of cholera following the death of one and the detection of two confirmed cases in Jaffna.

There have been three more suspected cases from Jaffna and Kayts in the last few days.

The man who died has been identified as a pump mechanic. He was treated at the Jaffna Hospital and was confirmed Cholera 0-139 by the Medical Research Institute.

Senior epidemiologist Dr. T.A. Kulatilake told the Daily News that there was no need to panic as this is a localised disease.

"It has not yet spread to other areas," he said adding that precautionary measures have been taken to combat the disease.

The last outbreak of cholera was in 1997 and continued until 2000. Hundred and ten confirmed cases and seven deaths were reported during 1999.

Only four cases were reported during 2000 - with three cases from Puttalam and one from Kolonnawa. The last case was from Kolonnawa MOH area in July 2000.

Officials warn that people could be infected from drinking contaminated water and taking food contaminated during and after preparation. Sea food - particularly shellfish from contaminated water and eaten raw or undercooked.

Officials said cholera is not fatal if treated immediately.

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