Jun 08, Colombo: The Epidemiology Unit of Sri Lanka's Health Ministry has requested the general public to be alert for the spread of influenza A H1N1, commonly known as swine flu after four staffers at a government hospital found to have been infected with the influenza A H1N1 virus.

The authorities evacuated a ward of the Mental Health Institute in Angoda, near Colombo after the four staffers who fell ill confirmed to have been infected with swine flu.

The director of the Mental Health Institute in Angoda Dr. Jayan Mendis has told media that the four patients are being treated and that their condition is improving.

According to Dr. Mendis, 40 patients have been transferred from the ward and none of the patients have contracted the disease.

Director of the Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Paba Palihawadana has said that all the hospitals in the island have been instructed to treat suspected swine flu victims.

Dr. Palihawadana has asked the public to watch for influenza A H1N1 symptoms such as cold and fever which could develop into pneumonia and other serious conditions and seek medical treatment promptly if any present.