Health Ministry Filed a Complaint With the CID

The Health Ministry has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in  connection with the websites, which spread false information about health officials who visit homes to test blood samples for filariasis.

According to certain media reports, it is claimed that certain health officials visit houses at night with the intention to spread HIV AIDS. Director General of Health Services, Dr. Jayasundara Bandara said, health officials visit houses at night to collect blood smear samples, as the microfilariae that cause lymphatic filariasis that circulates in the blood gets active at night.

The Ministry said, that the standard method for diagnosing active infection is the identification of microfilariae in a blood smear by microscopic examination and health officials will come in uniforms to take blood samples. “Any clarification regarding these visits can be obtained from the medical officers in charge in the area. We expect corporation from the public to the cause and not to be deceived by false information,” Dr. Bandara said. The Health Ministry is of the view that the spreading of this false information was done intentionally.