-Sri Lanka has made all necessary preparations to respond to any risks associated with the Ebola virus, Public Health Specialist Dr. Thushani Dabarera said.Speaking at a media briefing today (01) on the current global Ebola situation, Dr. Dabarera said the World Health Organization (WHO) and health authorities worldwide are closely monitoring the disease due to its high mortality rate of around 50%.“Ebola affects both humans and animals, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys, and is transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids,” she explained.

Dr. Dabarera said the Ministry of Health has already implemented preparedness plans and conducted simulation exercises in line with WHO guidelines.As part of these measures, special monitoring has been introduced for travelers arriving from countries where Ebola outbreaks have been reported, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda She noted that the Ministry’s Quarantine Unit is closely monitoring passengers arriving through airports and seaports, while information on anyone showing suspicious symptoms is immediately forwarded to the Epidemiology Unit for further action.The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH) has also been prepared to admit and manage suspected Ebola patients, with necessary treatment and infection-control measures already in place, she added.