A suspected Covid-19 death was reported at the National Hospital in Kandy on December 23rd. The victim, identified as a 65-year-old man from the Atgala area of Gampola, was initially admitted due to breathing difficulties and a lung infection. Sources from the National Hospital, Kandy, revealed that a post-mortem PCR test confirmed his Covid-19 infection.
This incident is particularly noteworthy as it follows a significant period of relative calm since the conclusion of the Covid-19 pandemic. The resurgence of cases raises concerns about the potential impact on public health.
In a related development, Professor Chandima Jeewandara, Head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, recently warned about an increase in cases of influenza-like illnesses in Sri Lanka. He suggested that a new Omicron sub-lineage, JN.1, might emerge in the community due to this uptick in cases.
