Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health has said the risk of Nipah virus transmission to the country remains minimal, following recent reports of cases in West Bengal, India.
In a media statement, the ministry said Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection that primarily affects animals, particularly fruit bats, and can be transmitted to humans through close contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. Human-to-human transmission can occur through prolonged close contact with respiratory secretions or bodily fluids of infected individuals.
However, the ministry stressed that the virus is not airborne like influenza and does not spread easily through casual contact.
A limited number of Nipah cases have been reported in India, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, the statement said.
“At present, the risk of transmission to Sri Lanka is considered minimal,” the ministry said.
Health authorities said Sri Lanka maintains a robust national disease surveillance system capable of early detection and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases, including laboratory diagnostic capacity at the Medical Research Institute (MRI) to promptly identify Nipah virus infection if an imported case occurs.
The ministry said it is closely monitoring the regional situation in coordination with the WHO and other partners and urged the public to rely on official communications and verified sources for accurate information.
Authorities also said they are fully prepared to respond promptly and effectively should any suspected case be identified. (Newswire)
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