Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has addressed recent media claims of detected HMPV cases in Sri Lanka, confirming that no such cases have been identified. Speaking in Parliament, the Minister assured the public that the Health Ministry remains vigilant and would promptly notify the public if an infection is detected.
Dr. Jayatissa revealed that 20 locations have been designated for HMPV testing, and all necessary precautions are in place. The Epidemiology Unit continuously shares updates with the Health Ministry, and President has taken a keen interest in the issue.
He also clarified that while one suspected case was reported, the test result was negative. The Minister emphasized that some media outlets had misinterpreted statements from immunologist Prof. Neelika Malavige, who had mentioned a past HMPV case in Sri Lanka. He urged media outlets to be more responsible when reporting on such sensitive matters.
