The Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka has confirmed the detection of two cases of Monkeypox, one of which involves a child. According to the Director General of Health Services, a mother and her daughter, who had recently returned from overseas, tested positive for the virus. The infected individuals were identified upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, following their journey from Dubai.
Presently, the affected individuals are receiving medical treatment at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH). The Ministry of Health is taking immediate measures to contain the spread of the virus and ensure the well-being of the patients.
This marks the first incidence of Monkeypox reported in Sri Lanka since November 2022 when similar cases were detected among Sri Lankan nationals who had also arrived from Dubai. Monkeypox is categorized as a viral zoonosis, meaning it is transmitted to humans from animals. The symptoms are comparable to those observed in smallpox patients, although the clinical severity is generally lower.
