M’lore: Suspected MERS, woman hospitalized

 

Mangalore, 28 May 2014: A 63-year-old woman, who developed cold and cough symptoms after she visited Saudi Arabia, has been admitted to a private hospital here after suspecting that she may be infected with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or corona virus.

 

The woman identified as Rafiya from Attavar had been to Saudi on May 11 and she returned on May 20. She developed cough and cold on May 23 and she was admitted to a private hospital here the next day.

 

Dr Rajesh, District Surveillance Officer told that the blood samples of the patient have been sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune and Manipal Centre for Virology and Research (MCVR), Manipal on Tuesday. The MCVR investigation ruled out MERS and H1N1. She tested positive for influenza B, which is common cold.

 

Since MCVR is not recognised by Government of India for MERS we are awaiting report from Pune, which may take about a week, said Dr Rajesh. There were about four persons in contact with her and all of them are normal, he added.

 

Meanwhile, the screening counters to detect MERS or corona virus will start functioning at Mangalore International airports from Wednesday night. The unit would be manned by paramedical staff.