Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Director of the Anti-Filariasis Campaign of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Prasanna Serasinghe, revealed that seven cases of filariasis caused by the parasite Brugia malayi have been reported during the past five months.
Dr. Serasinghe stated that the parasite poses a significant public health concern due to its ability to infect both humans and animals, increasing the risk of wider transmission. He cautioned that without effective control measures, the disease could spread to other parts of the country.
Health officials are closely monitoring the situation and have urged the public to take preventive measures against mosquito bites, as mosquitoes play a key role in transmitting filarial parasites.
Authorities are also conducting surveillance and awareness programs to prevent further spread of the infection and protect vulnerable communities.
The Ministry of Health has called on the public to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with filariasis and to cooperate with ongoing disease-control efforts.
