SARS suspicion causes panic in Jaffna hospital

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 13 May 2003, 20:17 GMT]
A young woman suffering from symptoms akin to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome was diagnosed at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital (JTH) Tuesday, medical sources in the northern town said. Dr. Krishnenthiran, a medical officer at the JTH, said that a 22 year old girl from Chavakachcheri who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the JTH is suspected of being infected with the SARS virus. The matter has not been thoroughly confirmed so far, according to him.

However, the girl’s condition had caused panic in the ICU, which was vacated by several patients who feared SARS. Medical officers said that more tests need to be done; but that precautions are nevertheless being taken.

Medical staff has been recommended to wear face masks, sources at the JTH said.

A doctor familiar with the case said that relatives from a western country had stayed at the girl’s house recently