Imported Malaria case detected in Kurunegala

By Sampath Seneviratne - Kurunegala

Colombo, June 30 (Daily Mirror) - A 26-year-old man who recently returned to Sri Lanka from Tanzania has been diagnosed with Malaria and is currently receiving treatment at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, health officials confirmed.

The patient, a resident of the Gokarella Public Health Area, sought medical attention after developing a fever a few days ago. Subsequent tests confirmed that he had contracted Malaria abroad.

Sri Lanka was officially declared Malaria-free several years ago, and since then, all reported cases have been traced to infections acquired overseas. However, health authorities remain vigilant due to the continued presence of Culex mosquitoes in the country — a species capable of spreading the disease if they bite an infected person.

Officials from the Anti-Malaria Campaign have launched a thorough investigation to prevent any potential local transmission. Surveillance teams are currently inspecting the patient's home, village, and hospital premises to detect any infected mosquito populations.

Health sources say the patient's condition is stable and under close observation.