Do not ignore Nipah risk, pay attention to foreign tourists: Dr. Chamal

Colombo, Jan. 29 (Daily Mirror) - Medical and civil rights expert Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa has urged Sri Lankan health authorities to closely monitor the Nipah virus situation reported in several Asian countries, including India, and to take precautionary measures focusing on foreign arrivals to the country.

Speaking on the matter, Dr. Sanjeewa highlighted the need for increased vigilance at immigration and entry points. He called for the implementation of health awareness programmes, blood-related health counselling, and, where appropriate, vaccination-related preventive activities at airports and other points of entry where tourists arrive in Sri Lanka.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus transmitted mainly by fruit bats and can infect both humans and animals. Dr. Sanjeewa warned that although no cases have been reported in Sri Lanka so far, the regional spread of the virus requires serious attention.

According to health experts, the Nipah virus can cause severe illness in humans. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, muscle pain, and vomiting, while severe cases may lead to inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal.

The virus is known to spread through direct contact with the urine, saliva, or feces of infected bats, consumption of contaminated food or water, and contact with infected animals such as pigs. Human-to-human transmission, though limited, has also been reported in some outbreaks.

Dr. Sanjeewa said that Sri Lanka should not wait until a case is detected locally to act. “Preventive attention is crucial, especially considering international travel and tourism,” he said, adding that public awareness is equally important.

He advised Sri Lankans travelling abroad, as well as those consuming food that could be contaminated, to remain alert and follow health guidelines issued by authorities, while urging officials to strengthen early warning and monitoring systems to prevent any possible risk to the country.