The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola virus outbreak a public health emergency.
In parallel, the Ministry of Health has decided to follow the 5-point measures issued by the World Health Organization.
In this regard, the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunaratne, has issued a statement today (20) stating that an Ebola virus outbreak is currently occurring in the Republic of Congo and Uganda and that the World Health Organization has declared this a public health emergency.
Accordingly, in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health has decided to take the following measures in the country.
The measures are as follows:
Strengthening airport surveillance.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases is well prepared to provide the necessary treatment if a suspected patient is reported.
The Medical Research Institute is prepared to identify the necessary diseases.
Strengthening the surveillance system in the country and constantly studying the global situation.
The Epidemiology Division of the Ministry of Health is coordinating well with the World Health Organization for the necessary activities.
The Director General of Health Services also stated in the relevant statement that Sri Lanka has been designated as a low-risk country for this disease according to the criteria of the World Health Organization. Therefore, there is no need to create undue fear among the public about this situation, the statement said.