Cablegate: Hini Virus in Sri Lanka

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R 251037Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY COLOMBO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0837
INFO EST COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001072

DEPT OF AGRICULTURE USD FAS

E.O. 12958:N/A
TAGS: TBIO KFLU ECON CE
SUBJECT: HINI VIRUS IN SRI LANKA

1. As of November 24, there are a total of 254 confirmed H1N1 cases
in Sri Lanka, and six deaths have been reported since the first
suspected case of H1N1 on the island was reported in June 2009. The
Epidemiology Unit now describes the situation in the country as a
pandemic. The deaths reported occurred in three districts and three
of the victims were pregnant mothers. Samples of suspected cases of
H1N1 are being reviewed by the Medical Research Institute (MRI).

2. Since November 20, all public schools in the Central Province of
Sri Lanka have been closed as a precautionary measure and Sri Lankan
media is widely reporting on the situation. The Ministry of Health
(MOH) sent a medical team to the affected areas to carry out a study
of the spread of the H1N1 virus.

3. The MOH has distributed medication to all national hospitals
island-wide and has ordered Novel H1N1 injections through the World
Health Organization. Injections will be administered to those in
the high risk categories such as expectant mothers, persons between
the ages of six months and 24 years, persons over 64 years old, and
patients suffering from chronic or immunosuppressant diseases.

Fowler

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