Chennai: A 65-year-old Haj pilgrim who returned to Chennai from Saudi Arabia on Monday was suspected to be affected by coronavirus, known as Middle East Asian Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV). He, however, later tested negative and was sent home.
Mr Raavuthar (65) of MMDA, who flew into Chennai on Monday morning, tested positive during a preliminary test conducted by a team of doctors. While he tested positive, the rest of the group he was travelling with tested negative.
He was then taken to the RGGGH, where other tests like blood test, serum and throat culture were taken.
As some of the tests results were negative, he was sent home.
Dean of RGGGH, Dr R. Vimala said, “He had the symptoms including fever, cough and cold when he was brought here. Usual tests were taken he and was sent home the same day.”
Deputy Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Raghunanthan said, “Coronavirus or MERS is caused by a virus that is different from any other virus that has been previously found in people.”
Symptoms of MERS include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Most of the strains of coronaviruses affect respiratory tracts and can cause gastroenteritis.
It can even cause pneumonia. Most of the affected people are found to have links with Saudi Arabia, he added.
