Influenza raises head in NWP

Influenza virus is spreading in the North Western Province (NWP), mainly in Puttalam and Kalpitiya.

Puttalam Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Sumith Attanayake said the number of patients seeking treatment rose sharply from around 450 patients per day to 750 patients at the beginning of this week.

Dr. Attanayake said one of the symptoms of viral influenza is that, the platelet blood count reduces in some patients, but not as low as those afflicted with dengue.

He said high fever is the first symptom and three to four days after the onset of fever, patients get a secondary bacterial infection, where he/she suffers from a cold, cough and high fever.

“There is a risk of this condition developing into pneumonia and children are the most vulnerable," he said.

Dr Attanayake however said it was common for communicable diseases to spread in April and May and asked the public not to panic