THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state is on high alert after five of a family in Pathanamthitta have been confirmed of the coronavirus. Health Minister K K Shailaja officially informed this at the press meet convened here today. She convened the press meet after holding an emergency meet in the capital city.

Of the five, the virus has been confirmed on three, who came from Italy. Two others are their relatives. They are presently undergoing treatment at the Pathanamthitta General Hospital. The report confirming of the virus from Pune Virology Institute was obtained last night. The virus was confirmed on the natives of Ithala in Ranni.

A 55-year-old-man, his wife and 22-year-old son came from Italy on February 29. When this man’s elder brother having fever was admitted in the hospital, symptoms of the virus were found. Following that, the health department contacted them and when more examination was done, all were admitted in the hospital. The body secretions were sent for examination.

They reached Kerala on February 29 in Qatar Airways’ QR-126 Venice Doha flight. The flight reached Doha at 11.20 am. After one and a half hours, the Qatar Airways QR 514 flight reached Kochi. The minister directed passengers travelled in the flight to approach the health department. Pathanamthitta district collector convened an emergency meet.