Health authorities in Sri Lanka have reported a rise in several viral infections, coinciding with the prevailing cold weather conditions.
Dr. Ravindra Udagamage, Senior Medical Officer at Gampaha Hospital, said these illnesses are particularly common among young children. He explained that cold and dry weather contributes to the rapid spread of viral infections, which primarily affect the upper respiratory tract.
“These conditions tend to spread quickly, especially among preschool-aged children,” Dr. Udagamage noted. Common symptoms include fever, cough, cold, sore throat, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. He advised that medical attention should be sought immediately if symptoms persist for more than three days or if patients experience difficulty in breathing.
Meanwhile, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) reported that air quality levels across the country are currently low. CEA Spokesperson Dr. Ajith Gunawardena stated that conditions are expected to improve and return to normal within the next two days.
