August 23, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Health has intensified screening procedures at airports to detect any potential cases of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, that may enter the country. Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala confirmed that the nation’s healthcare system is fully prepared to handle any incidents, with isolation and treatment facilities already established at the Institute of Infectious Diseases in Angoda.
Dr. Mahipala emphasized that the Colombo Medical Research Institute is equipped with laboratory facilities capable of detecting Mpox. During an expert committee meeting at the Health Ministry on Tuesday (20), comprehensive guidelines were issued to ensure better preparedness and response to prevent the spread of the disease. These instructions have been circulated to all healthcare institutions.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has now spread to at least 13 other African countries, with possible cases reported in Europe and Asia.
Mpox is a self-limiting viral infection caused by the Mpox virus. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by pox-like rashes that typically last two to three weeks. While the disease is generally self-limiting, it can be fatal, particularly in children and individuals with weakened immune systems
