The first case of the British variant of the coronavirus was diagnosed in Mexico in a 56-year-old Briton who flew from Amsterdam via Mexico City to the northeastern Matamoros.
The man has become seriously ill, the health authorities reported.
He arrived in the capital on December 28 and flew to Matamoros’ border town a day later. He was tested positive in Matamoros at the company where he works. He hadn’t been bothered by anything the entire trip.
But he had to be admitted to a local private hospital on January 4. The British variant of the virus is more contagious than the original but no more dangerous.
None of the other air passengers on the flight from Mexico City to Matamoros has been diagnosed as yet. Of them, 45 have been tested negative for the coronavirus, and 12 others have not been traced.
Mexican media reported that the patient was still in intensive care on Saturday, but it is not known how he is now.
The Mexican authorities only reported this case on Sunday. It has not been disclosed where he works and why the Brit has left Amsterdam for Mexico.