Measles, eliminated from the country several years ago, has re-emerged, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana attached to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit says.
According to Dr. Liyanapathirana, two cases involving children have been identified in the Colombo District, raising concerns about a possible resurgence.
Sri Lanka was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization in 2019. However, health officials note that sporadic outbreaks have been reported in certain areas since 2023.
Dr. Liyanapathirana said that while no cases had been reported since January 2025, the recent detection of two infections is a cause for concern.
He emphasised the need for immediate preventive measures to avoid the situation escalating into an outbreak. Laboratory analysis of one of the cases, conducted in India, confirmed that the virus had been imported.
Dr. Liyanapathirana warned that measles could have long-term health consequences. Recent research indicates that the disease may weaken immunity, reducing a person’s ability to fight other infections.