Amid reports of Nipah virus cases in India’s West Bengal, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health has said that the country is fully equipped to respond swiftly to any potential threat.
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, said the Ministry has a robust disease surveillance system capable of quickly identifying suspicious cases. “We are prepared to respond immediately if a patient is detected,” he added.
Highlighting the country’s medical infrastructure, Dr. Jasinghe said that the Medical Research Institute (MRI) is equipped with laboratory facilities capable of diagnosing infectious diseases efficiently, including the Nipah virus.
He also clarified that Nipah, which primarily spreads from fruit bats to humans or through contact with contaminated materials, is not an airborne virus like influenza. Human-to-human transmission is rare and requires close and prolonged contact, he explained.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended any international travel restrictions in response to the recent Indian cases, Dr. Jasinghe stressed that Sri Lanka’s preparedness ensures public safety. “The Ministry of Health is fully ready to provide a rapid and effective response should any suspicious case arise,” he said, reassuring citizens of the country’s vigilance.
