January 29, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan health officials have moved to allay public concern following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in parts of India, stressing that there is no immediate danger to the country.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Hansaka Wijemuni said the situation is being watched carefully, but underlined that Sri Lanka remains unaffected. According to him, the health sector is fully prepared to respond should the need arise, with adequate laboratory facilities and diagnostic kits already in place to identify any suspected infections.
Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease commonly linked to fruit bats and pigs, has previously surfaced in several Asian nations. Recent developments have led countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia to strengthen health surveillance at airports. Medical experts estimate the virus carries a high mortality rate, ranging between 40 and 75 per cent.
Despite this, Dr Wijemuni pointed out that transmission between humans is uncommon. He noted that Sri Lanka has never recorded a Nipah case and that the current circumstances do not justify alarm. He added that individuals who are seriously ill would be highly unlikely to undertake international travel, further limiting the possibility of the virus entering the country.
The Deputy Health Minister also explained that enhanced screening of arriving passengers is only introduced when there is clear evidence of widespread transmission or a substantial risk of person-to-person spread. As neither condition is present at this stage, authorities see no need for additional measures.
Reassuring the public, Dr Wijemuni urged people to remain calm and rely on official updates rather than speculation. “There is no reason for panic,” he said, emphasising that Sri Lanka’s health system remains vigilant and ready, while the overall risk to the public remains minimal.
