December 09, 2009:
Two children aged 8 and 9 have succumbed to the novel influenza virus at the Mahiyangana base hospital.
It was confirmed yesterday that the deaths of two children, residents of Hasalaka and Bibile, were caused by novel influenza virus.
“They had been receiving treatment for several days,” said a hospital spokesman.
The two deaths bring the novel influenza death toll in the country to 21. According to the Health Ministry, the number of individuals who have contracted the virus in the island exceeds 4,000.
However, with those who have still not been detected as suffering from the disease, the number could be much higher.
Treatment facilities for novel influenza patients have been increased and according to the Deputy Director General of the Public Health Unit of the Ministry, Dr. Palitha Maheepala, an ICU had been opened at the IDH for the purpose.
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