The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has accused the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Heath of failing to contain the deadly virus affecting children that is currently sweeping the South.

GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge blamed the newly appointed Chief Epidemiologist of the Unit of for failing to issue a precautionary guideline in time, and for being unable to mitigate the situation.

Dr. Aluthge called on the Minister of Health Dr. Rajitha Senaratne to appoint a new Epidemiology Unit spokesperson to interact with the public regarding the viral fever and to stay their fears.

As many as 13 children are said to have died as a result of the fever which displays symptoms similar to pneumonia. Preschools in the Southern and Sabaragamuwa province have been ordered shut until May 27, to prevent the fever from spreading.