The University of Sri Jayewardenepura says that Sri Lanka should also pay close attention to the Monkeypox disease which is spreading in many countries in the world.
Speaking during a media briefing, Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology at the Jayewardenepura University Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said that the symptoms of the disease were fever, headache, body aches and fatigue.
He noted that 92 patients have been reported from around the world from the 13th of May.
Dr. Jeewandara stated the countries from which the cases were identified were developed nations like the United States, Canada and Australia.
He added the World Health Organization is currently conducting investigations into the spread of the disease which was believed to be endemic to the African region.
Dr. Jeewandara said the virus can be diagnosed with a PCR test while most patients recover within a few weeks.
He commented on the spread of the disease adding it could be transmitted through respiratory droplets by coming face to face with an infected individual, through direct physical contact or by using utensils and furniture used by infected persons.
However, Dr. Jeewandara said Monkeypox has not been identified as a disease with a spread as severe as Covid-19.
Dr. Chandima Jeewandara further stated that the impact of this will be minimal for those who are being vaccinated against smallpox.
