Schools in Deniyaya temporarily closed amid viral fever outbreak

Colombo, May 7 (Daily Mirror) - Several schools in the Deniyaya Education Zone have been temporarily closed following reports of a viral disease similar to influenza spreading among students, provincial education authorities told the Daily Mirror.

It was reported that a number of students from the area had been admitted to Deniyaya Hospital with flu-like symptoms over the past few days.

Deniyaya Zonal Director of Education Nishaka Hettigoda said that all schools within the Deniyaya Education Zone had been instructed to close for today (7) and tomorrow (8) as a precautionary measure to prevent the further spread of the illness among schoolchildren.

She said there had been a decline in school attendance due to the outbreak.

According to officials, the directive was issued by the Southern Provincial Governor’s Office following concerns raised over the health situation in schools across the area.

The Governor’s Office said that a high-level discussion was held on May 6 under the patronage of the Southern Province Governor, during which health conditions affecting schools in the region were reviewed. During the meeting, authorities decided to suspend academic activities for two days to allow health officials to monitor the situation and take necessary preventive measures.

The order was communicated to provincial education authorities, including the Southern Provincial Director of Education and the Deniyaya Zonal Education Office.