Malaria tests on Foreign returnees who complete quarantine

COLOMBO (News 1st): A program is underway to test if people who returned from overseas and undergoing quarantine at quarantine facilities have contracted Malaria, according to the Anti-Malaria Campaign. "Those who leave quarantine will be subjected to a Malaria test once they reach their homes, told Dr. Prasad Ranaweera - Director at the Anti-Malaria Campaign to News 1st on Friday (June 5). According to Dr. Ranaweera most quarantine facilities are located in areas where Malaria used to spread rapidly and therefore, mosquitoes carrying the infection could still be present in these areas. Thereby, taking in to account this condition, Dr. Ranaweera noted following discussions held with Doctors in-charge of quarantine centres, regional Anti-Malaria officials will conduct mosquito vector larvae survey within a radius of 1 km from quarantine facilities. According to government statistics, a total of 53 Malaria patients were reported in the country in 2019. During the course of this year, 10 Malaria patients have been reported in Sri Lanka said Dr. Ranaweera adding this was a positive situation compared to last year. Dr. Ranaweera said that the quarantine facilities will provide the contact details of those who completed quarantine upon returning from countries where Malaria is active, like India and Pakistan. Thereby, regional officials of the Anti-Malaria Campaign will conduct Malaria tests on these people after they reach their homes. The regional officials will conduct follow-ups on these people and also observe them for at least one year, according to Dr. Ranaweera. The Anti-Malaria Campaign has also taken measures to control the spread of Malaria in and around quarantine facilities.