New malaria parasite threat raises alarm in Sri Lanka

Colombo, June 6 (Daily Mirror) - Health authorities have warned of the emergence of a malaria-related parasite that could complicate efforts to keep the disease under control in Sri Lanka.

Director of the National Anti-Malaria and Mosquito Control Campaign Dr. Prasanga Serasinghe said 34 malaria cases were reported in the country last year, while seven cases have been detected so far this year.

He expressed concern about a parasite that, unlike traditional malaria parasites, can infect both humans and animals, making eradication far more difficult.

“This parasite has existed for more than a century, but its ability to infect animals makes it particularly dangerous. If it spreads, controlling the disease will become much more challenging because treatment may be required for both humans and animals,” he said.

Dr. Serasinghe warned that the parasite could undermine Sri Lanka’s progress in malaria control and called for heightened surveillance and preventive measures to prevent its spread.