Monkeypox can be controlled through self immunity; no need to get alarmed: Health Ministry

The monkeypox spread can be controlled by the immune system within the infected person, Epidemiology Unit Director Dr. Samitha Ginige said.

Adressing the media he said instead of a specific treatment, the symptoms are treated.

"When a person infected with the disease, the body's immune system can control it. In addition, there is often more than one specific treatment, the patient's symptoms are treated," he said.

The first case of Monkeypox infection was detected in Sri Lanka recently from a 20-year-old person who came from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) However, there is no possibility of infection spreading in our community through this person, Dr. Ginige said.

He said the who was the first person to have been detected with monkeypox symptoms in the country about three months ago after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as a global health emergency.

Meanwhile, Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena said people need not to be alarmed following the detection of a monkeypox-infected individual in Sri Lanka.

The infected youth is now being observed by medical experts and is in stable condition, he said.

The situation is under control and there is no need for the people to become panicked over the matter, he said.

"This virus is not spreading like the COVID-19 virus before. There is not need of shutting down the airports and shopping centers in fear. Our country is blessed with adequate facilities and sufficient medicine for treating the infected," Dr. Gunawardena added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)