Sudha Singh's blood samples were sent to a virology institute for Zika testing. (File Photo)
Highlights
- Doctors say Sudha Singh has swine flu, also known as H1N1 virus
- She was being tested to rule out Zika, which is on a rampage in Brazil
- Those who travelled with her have been put under observation
Athlete Sudha Singh, who returned from the Rio Olympics with high fever and body ache, has tested negative for Zika virus. Doctors say she has something completely different - swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus.
A 3000 meter steeplechase participant, Ms Singh was being tested to rule out Zika -- which has become a matter of concern for Brazil. Her blood samples were sent to a virology institute in Pune for Zika testing as the doctors were being extra cautious.
Swine flu is also a serious infection, but Dr SR Sarala of the Sports Authority of India told NDTV that she had met Sudha and she has been recovering.
All the others from SAI who travelled to the Olympics -- athletes and coaches -- are fine. The state governments of Kerala and Maharashtra have been alerted about the health of athletes from those states who were on the same flight as Sudha. All the people who travelled with her will be monitored for the next two weeks.
Marathon runners OP Jaishaand Kavita Raut, who were Ms Singh's room-mates in Rio, were said to be showing symptoms of a viral infection yesterday. The Sports Authority had wanted Jaisha in hospital too, but she had gone home to Kerala. All three are being kept under observation and given anti-viral medication.
The Karnataka government has said it will pay for Sudha's medical expenses.
Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, can cause crippling birth defects and has also been linked to a neurological disorder.
The World Health Organisation had said there is a "very low risk" of the Zika virus spreading further internationally as a result of the Olympic Games in Brazil.