COLOMBO, Jan 29: A senior health official in Sri Lanka announced on Thursday that there is currently no imminent threat of the Nipah virus in the country, despite its presence in parts of neighboring India.
Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni assured journalists in Colombo that health authorities are vigilantly tracking developments and have implemented precautionary measures, including ensuring sufficient testing capacity.
Wijemuni explained that while the virus, known for its high fatality rate, has been detected in several Asian regions, person-to-person transmission remains an uncommon occurrence. Notably, Sri Lanka has never experienced a Nipah virus outbreak.
He advised the public to remain calm, highlighting that travelers exhibiting severe symptoms are unlikely to board flights, and that current screening processes are effective in identifying potential cases.
According to Wijemuni, health authorities will maintain their surveillance and readiness efforts, and there is no reason for public concern at this time.
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, transmitting between animals and humans, and occasionally from human to human. It is a priority pathogen identified by the World Health Organization due to its potential for causing epidemics and the severe illness it can induce. Past Nipah virus outbreaks have been linked to high fatality rates, ranging from 40 to 75 percent.
