Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni says steps have been taken to clean water sources in an effort to control the spread of the viral fever reported in Deniyaya.
He stated that there is currently no risk of the illness spreading rapidly and urged the public not to panic unnecessarily.
Meanwhile, Southern Province Health Services Director NGS Panditharatne said the investigation report into the outbreak is expected to be received today.
According to the Director, a team from the Ministry of Health Sri Lanka visited Deniyaya yesterday to conduct investigations into the situation.
Research carried out at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital using patient bio-samples has reportedly indicated that the illness is linked to a group of viruses commonly associated with the human digestive system.
Health officials noted that the virus is believed to spread mainly through contaminated food or water.
Authorities also announced that a special discussion chaired by the Southern Province Governor will be held next Monday (11) to decide on future measures concerning schools in the Deniyaya Education Zone affected by the outbreak.
Several schools, including Deniyaya National School, St Matthews School Deniyaya, Deniyaya Rajapaksa College, and the primary section of Pallegama Siddhartha School, were temporarily closed over the past two days due to the viral fever situation.
