Health Ministry Confirms No Risk of Nipah Virus Spreading to Sri Lanka; Urges Public Not to Panic

The Ministry of Health says that there is no risk of the Nipah virus, currently spreading in several regions of India, entering Sri Lanka.

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, urged the public not to harbor unnecessary fear regarding the virus. 

The Nipah virus disease is a zoonotic infection that primarily occurs among animals, particularly fruit bats, and can rarely be transmitted to humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated materials.

The virus is not airborne like influenza and does not spread easily through casual contact.

A limited number of Nipah virus cases have recently been reported in West Bengal, India. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend travel restrictions in relation to these cases. At present, the risk of transmission to Sri Lanka is considered minimal.

The Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka maintains a robust national disease surveillance system capable of early detection and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases. This includes laboratory diagnostic capacity at the Medical Research Institute (MRI) to promptly identify Nipah virus infection should an imported case occur.

The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the regional situation in coordination with the World Health Organization and other relevant partners. 

Health authorities remain fully prepared to respond promptly and effectively should any suspected case be identified.