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Some media misinterpreted Prof. Neelika Malavige:
Epidemiological Unit will provide regular reports:
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured Parliament yesterday (9) that no recent cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in Sri Lanka, contrary to reports circulating in certain media outlets.
Dr. Jayatissa emphasised that the Ministry of Health remains vigilant and has implemented comprehensive measures to monitor and address the situation. He stated that 20 testing centers have been designated to conduct HMPV screenings and that the Epidemiology Unit is continuously updating the Ministry with relevant data.
The Minister clarified that while one suspected case was recently reported, subsequent testing confirmed it was not HMPV. He further noted that some media had misinterpreted remarks by Immunologist Prof. Neelika Malavige, who had referred to an earlier case of HMPV in the country.
The Minister stated that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is constantly paying attention to this matter and the Epidemiological Unit will provide regular reports on this matter.
Dr. Jayatissa said that the media should not report wrong information for the sake of views, ratings and profit and reporting sensitive matters to the people should be done very responsibly. “There are people in this parliament who own media stations that report information for views, ratings and profit and I would like to inform them that they should report information in a manner that does not create panic among citizens, he said”.
Dr.Jayatissa urged media organisations to report responsibly, particularly on sensitive health issues, to prevent unnecessary public concern. He also highlighted that the President has taken a personal interest in ensuring the country is prepared to manage any potential health risks related to the virus.
The Health Ministry assured the public that any confirmed cases of HMPV would be promptly communicated.
Ishara Mudugamuwa
