Sri Lanka, Jan. 29 -- Medical and civil rights expert Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa has urged Sri Lankan health authorities to closely monitor the Nipah virus situation reported in several Asian countries, including India, and to take precautionary measures focusing on foreign arrivals to the country.

Speaking on the matter, Dr. Sanjeewa highlighted the need for increased vigilance at immigration and entry points. He called for the implementation of health awareness programmes, blood-related health counselling, and, where appropriate, vaccination-related preventive activities at airports and other points of entry where tourists arrive in Sri Lanka.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus transmitted mainly by fruit bats and can infect both humans and...