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Flu patient pretender detained in NE China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-18 22:17

DALIAN -- A man was detained in northeast China's Liaoning Province for pretending to be A(H1N1) patient, said local police  Monday.

Full Coverage:  A(H1N1) Influenza Outbreak Related readings:  Suspected flu case reported in Guangdong  Capital confirms 1st flu case  Student sets template for flu caution  China's first A/H1N1 flu patient discharged from hospital  Premier Wen visits Beijing's first A(H1N1) flu patient

The man, surnamed Li, will be detained for 10 days for "lying about a serious epidemic situation", according to police in Dalian city.

A migrant worker from Tieling of Liaoning, Li felt ill last Wednesday morning, but did not seek medical attention because of the fear of how much treatment would cost.

After watching TV, he learned about the A(H1N1) epidemic and thought he would have his illness cured for free if he said he was infected.

According to Li's confession, he drank alcohol before calling an ambulance with his mobile phone. He claimed he had A(H1N1).

Doctors, however, failed to find him at the address he provided and police were put on high alert.

Li was found Friday and diagnosed with an ordinary strain of the flu. He has since recovered.

China has three confirmed cases of A(H1N1) flu on the mainland and one suspected case.