The government’s recent decision to allow visa-free entry for citizens of 35 countries has sparked significant concerns, particularly in light of an increase in Monkeypox cases in several of these nations.
Many of the reported Monkeypox cases worldwide involve individuals with travel histories to countries experiencing higher infection rates.
Reports indicate that Thailand, one of the countries granted visa-free access, recently detected a Monkeypox case in a European man who arrived from Africa last week. Authorities are currently awaiting test results to determine the specific strain.
A senior health official, speaking to the Daily Mirror, stated that local health authorities have alerted relevant officials to intensify monitoring at airports and seaports due to the global situation.
This concern follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent decision to declare Monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern.
While contingency measures are in place, the official emphasized that the Medical Research Institute is fully equipped to test for Monkeypox cases.
Though Sri Lanka has not seen a significant increase in cases in recent years, the Ministry of Health is taking additional precautions.
According to the WHO, Monkeypox is typically a self-limited disease, with symptoms lasting two to four weeks. It generally presents with fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes and can lead to various medical complications.
