The Government has reassured the public that there is no immediate threat from the Nipah virus, which is currently spreading in parts of India.

Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni emphasised that Sri Lanka’s health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have all necessary testing kits ready. 

While the virus, with a high fatality rate, has been reported in several Asian countries, Wijemuni explained that person-to-person transmission is rare and Sri Lanka has never experienced a Nipah outbreak. 

He urged the public not to panic, noting that travelers with severe symptoms are unlikely to fly and that current screening measures are sufficient. 

Authorities continue to stay vigilant, but there is no cause for alarm at this time.