Sri Lanka keeps watch as Nipah virus cases emerge
Sri Lanka has stepped up monitoring measures following reports of a Nipah virus cluster in India’s eastern state of West Bengal.
Health authorities across parts of Asia have also heightened vigilance over the emerging situation, the Daily Mirror reported.
Health officials said Sri Lanka is tracking developments at the regional level and remains in contact with international health monitoring systems.
While no cases have been reported locally, authorities have indicated that preparedness measures are in place should the situation evolve.
The alert follows confirmation by Indian authorities of at least five Nipah virus infections in West Bengal, including cases among healthcare workers.
The development has prompted several countries in the region to strengthen preventive measures, particularly at international airports.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted between animals and humans and, in some instances, through human-to-human contact.
It is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organisation due to its epidemic potential and the severity of illness it can cause. Past outbreaks of the Nipah virus have been associated with high fatality rates, ranging from 40 per cent to 75 per cent.
(Xinhua/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Turkey’s President Erdogan gifts NATO leaders guns, live ammunition after summit
The guns carried an inscription that read “Gumusay, the first revolver-type handgun produced in our country.”
Lagos
Lagos businessman bags 28-month jail term for N822.4 million theft
The EFCC amended the charge against the suspect and his company after he opted for a plea bargain midway through the trial.
NationWide
Nigerian passport ranks 167th globally with visa-free access to 26 countries: Report
A new report says the Nigerian passport currently ranks 167th globally and provides visa-free access to 26 countries.
NationWide
Orphanage managers urge sustained support for vulnerable children
They urged Nigerians to sustain support for vulnerable children through donations, volunteer services and other humanitarian interventions.
NationWide
Peace Corps seeks inclusion in security reform, cites 187,000-member capacity
He said the organisation’s nationwide network could strengthen grassroots security and enhance national peace-building efforts.
World
Dozens killed in China flooding, 900 venomous snakes on loose
Amid ongoing efforts to tackle the flooding disaster, at least 900 snakes, including cobras escaped from breeding farms into the flood water.
