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| Saturday, 18 December 2004 |
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by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi Two high level teams comprising medical specialists are now conducting research and testing to identify the mysterious illness spreading in Matara, Padanangala and Embilipitiya. Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told the Daily News that his Ministry has taken swift measures to control this mysterious disease which has so far claimed four lives. This disease is suspected to be transmitted by a pneumonia type virus but is yet to be identified. Accordingly, two teams one from the Medical Research Institute (MRI) and another from the Epidemiology Unit were dispatched to the affected areas on Thursday night. "They are now conducting medical investigations in collaboration with the doctors in the respective areas," added the Minister. Besides, blood and flem samples of the deceased, patients and suspected patients have been sent to the MRI for further testing. "They are now under a special medical investigation." asserted the Minister. Minister de Silva explained that his Ministry had paid full attention and taken prompt action to control the situation. "People do not need to panic as we have taken all the precautionary measures," he added. Besides, the Minister called upon the staff of hospitals not to panic. "All protective gear and equipment have been sent to the hospitals in the affected areas for the use of the staff from doctors to all the ranks. Hospitals have been given permission to purchase locally any item if necessary," added the Minister. He also assured that all required medicine and drugs have been sent to the hospitals in Matara and Ratnapura. "There is no need to panic. If there is any suspicion, patients are requested to seek medical assistance from Government Hospitals and medical centres." Earlier, panic gripped inmates at the Matara Base Hospital on Thursday with the death of three patients. Following the crisis all in-ward patients of the Matara hospital were evacuated to other hospitals in the area. Two of the three victim were brothers of the same family from the Kuttigala area while the other was a native of Beliatta and a relative of the other victims. The victims were initially admitted with a fever and was treated at the ICU for three days before their death. Two children of one of the victims are also presently receiving treatment at the Matara bases hospital. Their condition is being closely monitored, a hospital spokesman told the Daily News. As a precautionary measure all doctors and medical staff at the Matara Base Hospital are wearing masks during duty hours. Meanwhile another patient bearing the symptoms of pneumonia was admitted to the same hospital Thursday. With the news of the crisis at the hospital there has a huge drop in the number of patients seeking treatment at the hospital. Hospital Director Dr. K. I. Padmatilake said all steps have been taken to counter any threat of an epidemic at the hospital. Meanwhile a similar death was reported at the Embilipitiya Hospital yesterday. The hospital employee who attended to this patient and another patient of the ward were rushed to the Colombo National Hospital and a private hospital for observation. The ICU Unit of the Embilipitiya Hospital was shut down yesterday. Meanwhile our Matara central correspondent reports that about the disease at the Matara General Hospital is fast dwindling. Wards No. 1 of the Matara General Hospital has been closed temporarily, said the Director of the Hospital, Dr. K. I. Pathmatilleke. |
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