No HMPV case detected in SL: Nalinda

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

Claiming that no HMPV cases have been detected in Sri Lanka recently as reported by certain media, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday that the Health Ministry is on alert and assured to inform the people if any person infected with the virus was detected in the country.   

The Minister told Parliament that 20 locations have been named to carry out tests for the virus and that all precautions have been taken.   

He said the Epidemiology Unit is constantly providing details on the virus to the Health Ministry and that the President has also paid special attention to the matter.   

The Minister said one suspected case was reported but the test was negative.    He said some media had misquoted immunologist Prof. Neelika Malavige, who had said that an HMPV case had been detected in Sri Lanka some time back, and he requested the media to act with responsibility when reporting sensitive issues.