Monitoring Influenza in Tsunami-hit Sri Lanka
Recombinomics Commentary
January 25, 2005
>> Tsunami-hit Sri Lanka, which has not experienced major bird flu bouts, said it was taking precautions to avoid a potential outbreak, and was on full alert in monitoring all influenza cases. <<
Full alert in monitoring all influenza cases in Sri Lanka is a good idea. Prior to the tsunami there was an outbreak of fatal flu in Matara, Padanangala and Embilipitiya in the south and after the tsunami there were fatal flu cases in the northeast, in Mullaittivu.
The Jan 24 WHO tsunami update also noted acute respiratory infections (ARI) were the leading cause of illness in Sri Lanka. Reports on influenza fatalities would be useful.
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