Outbreak of AHINI:

Schools closed in Kurunegala

Chaminda PERERA

The Education Ministry yesterday decided to close all schools within the purview of the Kurunegala city limits after two students were diagnosed with AHINI virus. Education authorities arrived at this decision after a series of discussions over the issue.

According to the Ministry spokesman, two students from leading schools in the city have been diagnosed with AHINI and the schools were closed as a measure to curb the outbreak of the epidemic.

The infected students are receiving treatment at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry yesterday requested the public to be cautious of this epidemic though it is not fatal. "Those who show symptoms of AHINI should consult doctors at Government Hospitals and they should stay away from their work places," the Ministry official told the Daily News.

The first case of AHINI was reported in Sri Lanka in June this year and over 132 persons have been diagnosed with this flu. However, the Ministry warns that this virus may sometime be fatal to four risk groups. They are elderly people , pregnant mothers, infants and patients with chronic ailments.