By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In the wake of the recent global upsurge in monkeypox cases, Sri Lanka has ramped up its vigilance, according to local health authorities.   

This follows the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recent decision to declare the infectious disease a public health emergency of international concern.   

According to sources in the Health Ministry, there hasn’t been major increase in cases and thus, the imminent threat from monkeypox is minimal as contingency measures are in place.   

However, a senior official who did not want to be quoted said, the Ministry is mulling steps for extra-vigil.   Steps under consideration include heightened monitoring at airports and seaports, as most reported cases so far involve individuals with a travel history to countries with significantly higher case numbers.  According to the WHO, Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with symptoms lasting for two to four weeks. It typically manifests itself with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirect contact with lesion material such as through contaminated clothing or linen of an infected person.