Sri Lanka at risk of malaria; health officials caution

COLOMBO (News1st): The risk of malaria spread has risen due to the return of Sri Lankans from overseas, health officials have cautioned. "Recently, a mosquito capable of causing urban malaria had been detected in Jaffna and Vavuniya," Dr Anula Wijesundara told reporters. She pointed out that Sri Lankans returning from overseas due to the COVID-19 pandemic could be carriers of the malaria disease. "If Sri Lankans who have returned from overseas develop fever, it is important to inform the doctor that they had been overseas," Dr S. M. Arnold, the deputy director-general of health services said. He added that a blood test must be carried out on any individual suspected to have contracted the disease.