News
No SL Covid-19 patient has yet contracted black fungus disease, says MRI
by Ifham Nizam
None of the Covid-19 patients in Sri Lanka had contracted the black fungus disease, a senior medical officer said yesterday.
“We have not heard of Covid-19 patients afflicted with mucormycosis yet, said Medical Research Institute (MRI), Head of Department of Mycology, Dr. Primali Jayasekera.
Dr. Jayasekera told the media in Colombo: “This fungus is not new to Sri Lanka. We have reported 42 cases of ‘black fungus’ in 2019, 24 in 2020, and 24 in 2021 so far.
Our country has all the environmental factors needed for its growth. The fungus is present in our soil. Persons with low immunity may get this infection.”
The fungal infection detected in the Ampara District, was not similar to the black fungus now widely detected in India, the Health Ministry said.
A 35-year old COVID-19 patient was admitted to the Ampara Hospital on May 4 after being infected with a fungal infection.
That detection raised much concern and discussion in Sri Lanka regarding the infection.
Deputy Director-General of Education and Research at the Ministry of Health Dr. Hemantha Herath said that experts yesterday (May 24) had allayed fear of the black fungus disease.
There was not enough information about a suspected black fungus case in Ampara, Dr. Prasad Colombage, an executive committee member of the Government Medical Officers Association said.
“In India it has led to deaths. Research is still being carried out to find out the link between the fungus and Covid-19.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, officially handed over the Financial Statements and Operations Report 2024 of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (29).
A copy of the report was also presented to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Several senior officials from the Central Bank were present at the occasion.
Latest News
Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025
The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.
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