New Delhi, Dec 25: Passengers from Taiwan are being screened for the dreaded Sars at airports in India as a matter of "abundant caution" after a Taiwanese scientist had tested positive for the virus a few days ago in his country, officials said. One Taiwanese, who is a scientist dealing with Sars, had tested positive some days ago in Taiwan, officials said.

As a matter of abundant caution, screening of Taiwanese flights, was introduced in the Indian airports about ten days ago to stop any entry of the infection, the officials said. There are three flights from Taiwan to Delhi a week.

Screening would continue for only about four-five days as the incubation period, the duration in which Sars infection should surface if anybody has contacted it, is over, they said.
The Taiwanese scientist had travelled to Singapore for a conference and developed fever. He was later shifted to Taiwan and is now alright, the officials said.

One Singaporean, who had come in contact with this Taiwanese scientist, had come to India. He was screened and tested for the virus. However, tests were negative, according to reports. No more Sars cases have been reported in Taiwan, officials said

Bureau Report