India reports first confirmed case of coronavirus

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By Shakir Husain

NEW DELHI, Jan 30 -- India has reported its first 2019 novel coronavirus case as the country continues to stay on alert against the spread of the deadly disease from China.

A student from the southern state of Kerala studying at China's Wuhan University was tested positive for the coronavirus.

"The patient has been tested positive for novel coronavirus and is in isolation in the hospital. The patient is stable and is being closely monitored," India's Health Ministry said on Thursday.

The Indian government has advised people to refrain from travel to China and those coming from there to watch their health closely.

The viral outbreak started in China, where 170 deaths have been reported and about 8,000 are receiving treatment. 

India is preparing for the evacuation of its nationals affected by the virus outbreak in Hubei province of China, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The government has set up a round-the-clock helpline number to give information about the coronavirus and medical teams have been deployed at airports to monitor suspected cases.

A mock drill was carried out in the southern city of Chennai to test medical preparedness for threats posed by the virus.

-- BERNAMA