India on Thursday reported its first case of the Novel Coronavirus in Kerala. The patient, a student of the Wuhan University, is stable and in isolation at a hospital, a statement from the Health Ministry said.
The virus has killed more than 170 people in China and is spreading to other countries, alarming health experts.
"One positive case of Novel Coronavirus -- a student studying in Wuhan University -- has been reported from Kerala," said a statement released by the Health Ministry.
The patient is kept in isolation in a hospital. "The patient is stable and is being closely monitored," said the ministry statement.
"Even before the first confirmed case we were doing our best to ensure diagnosis and then to treat it if any positive cases of Coronavirus arise," Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardha said.
He further said that an official release of information related to the first confirmed case of the disease in India will follow soon.
The Union Health Minister further said that the measures being taken by the government had led to the detection of the patient who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus.
"We are taking many measures, including screening of passengers at more than 20 airports, especially those who are coming in with a travel history of China. That is how we could trace this patient," he said.
(Source: Economic Times)