Sri Lanka’s health authorities have stepped up precautionary measures against the Nipah virus amid increasing tourist arrivals, Health Minister and Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today(10).

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet briefing, the Minister said preventive measures have been strengthened at airports and other entry points, as Nipah cases have been reported in India and Bangladesh.

He noted that over 40,000 tourists arrived in the past four days, while January recorded a record 277,000 arrivals, prompting heightened vigilance by health authorities.

The Health Ministry said it remains fully prepared to take necessary action if required.