New SARS-CoV-2 Variants Debut Fresh COVID-19 Surge in Sri Lanka With 2 Deaths Reported
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 14, 2025 3 weeks, 3 days, 10 hours, 8 minutes ago
Medical News: Health Officials Urge Vigilance Among Elderly and Immunocompromised as Infections Rise
Sri Lanka is witnessing a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections following the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, with health authorities confirming two recent deaths linked to complications from the virus. The warning comes from Professor Dushantha Medagedara, Chief Professor of Medicine at the Northwestern Medical Faculty, during a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) in Colombo.
New SARS-CoV-2 Variants Debuts New COVID-19 Surge in Sri Lanka With 2 Deaths Reported
According to Professor Medagedara, recent surveillance data from the Sri Lankan Institute of Virology has shown that between 9% and 13% of individuals currently presenting with respiratory symptoms are testing positive for the newly circulating COVID-19 strains. While most cases appear to involve only mild illness, medical professionals remain on alert due to the potential impact on vulnerable groups. This
Medical News report aims to provide the general public with a clear understanding of the current situation and precautions that may be necessary.
New Strain Causing Mild Symptoms but Still Poses Risk
Professor Medagedara emphasized that although the new strains do not appear to be causing severe illness in most people, its presence is concerning because of how it affects the elderly and those with preexisting health issues. "Its harmful effects are very minimal," he explained, adding that the majority of those infected are recovering without the need for hospitalization. However, he cautioned that individuals over the age of 65 and people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk for complications.
He also confirmed that the two COVID-related deaths reported so far in Sri Lanka were indeed tied to these new variants, and both patients had underlying health problems that exacerbated their condition. “For these at-risk populations, even a mild strain of the virus can lead to serious outcomes,” he warned.
No Need for Panic but Caution is Advised
Despite the uptick in infections, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health and Mass Media has urged the public to remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic. There is no indication at present that this new variant is triggering widespread hospitalizations or overwhelming the healthcare system. “The situation is not severe at the moment,” Professor Medagedara said. “We should not be alarmed, but we must stay cautious, especially those with existing respiratory illnesses or weakened immunity.”
The Ministry also noted that efforts are underway to monitor the spread of the new variants closely and respond as needed. They are encouraging citizens to continue practicing basic health precautions such as wearing masks in crowded areas, frequent hand washing, and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Conclusion
While the new SARS-CoV-2 varian
ts in Sri Lanka appears to cause relatively mild symptoms for most people so far, it has already claimed two lives and is spreading rapidly. Health experts advise the elderly and people with weakened immune systems to remain particularly vigilant. There is no widespread crisis at this stage, but the situation continues to evolve. Authorities are monitoring the outbreak and urge the public to stay informed, take personal precautions, and avoid spreading misinformation. It is essential for communities to remain calm yet cautious, recognizing that while the immediate threat may be low for the majority, vulnerable individuals still face significant risks.
References:
https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/COVID-19-situation-under-control-despite-rise-in-respiratory-illnesses/108-311407
https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/breaking-news/Two-people-die-after-infection-with-New-COVID-19-variant/108-311353
https://www.newswire.lk/2025/06/12/two-covid-related-deaths-in-sl-update-from-health-officials/
https://www.dailynews.lk/2025/06/11/admin-catagories/breaking-news/794342/no-threat-from-new-covid-19-variant-in-sri-lanka-says-health-ministry/
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