By Nadia Fazlulhaq

Hospitals are full of patients, both young and old, suffering from viral fever with symptoms similar to dengue.

Officials said they were treating more than 150 fever patients a day in all major hospitals including the National Hospital and the Colombo South Teaching Hospital.

Infectious Diseases Hospital’s Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrema said the viral fever epidemic was not life-threatening but could weaken the patient.

“Most of the patients are suffering from vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. Therefore it’s important to give them nutritious fluids like king-coconut water, soups and cunjee but carbonated drinks should be avoided,” he said.