Health authorities have warned that Measles, a disease previously eliminated in Sri Lanka, has re-emerged in the country.
According to the Health Ministry, two cases involving children have been detected in the Colombo District, raising concerns over a possible resurgence.
Officials have urged parents to ensure that children who have either not received the measles vaccine or have received only a single dose complete the full immunisation schedule without delay.
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.
A senior official of the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana, said that although no cases had been reported since January 2025, the recent detection of two infections was a matter of concern.
He stressed the need for immediate preventive measures to prevent a potential outbreak. Laboratory analysis of one case, conducted in India, confirmed that the virus had been imported.
Dr. Liyanapathirana further warned that measles could have long-term health consequences, noting that recent research indicates the disease may weaken immunity and reduce resistance to other infections.
He also highlighted the risk of a rare but fatal complication known as Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), which can develop several years after apparent recovery.
Health officials emphasised that recovery from measles does not eliminate all risks and urged parents to remain vigilant even after a child appears to have fully recovered.