A specialist medical team from the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health is scheduled to arrive in Deniyaya to investigate the fever outbreak rapidly spreading among schoolchildren, it was reported.
According to Ada Derana, District Director of Health Services Sumith Manathunga said that the situation has not escalated to epidemic level.
It is reported that the move comes as health authorities seek to assess the situation and recommend measures to contain the spread.
Acting on earlier guidance, Zonal Director of Education for Deniyaya, Nishaka Hettiyagoda, ordered the closure of four schools in the area on 7 and 8 May.
The schools closed are Deniyaya Central College, Deniyaya Rajapaksa Maha Vidyalaya, Deniyaya St. Matthew’s Bilingual School, and Pallekanda Siddhartha Vidyalaya.
Officials said the decision was taken in view of the rising number of students and teachers affected.
Meanwhile, Southern Province Education Secretary N.K.R. Pathirana noted that decisions regarding reopening will be taken based on instructions provided by health authorities. (Newswire)
