[Photo: Zachary Ryan Devaraj]

By Veena Bharwani

SINGAPORE Asian Youth Games Organising Committee (SAYGOC) spokesman said that since Zachary complained of flu-like symptoms, he was advised not to participate in the race.

Added the spokesman: 'The medical centre doctor diagnosed Zachary with Influenza-like Illness (ILI), and the decision was made to conduct swab tests on him to check if he was infected with Influenza A (H1N1).

'He was isolated at the medical centre and two swab tests were taken on Tuesday night and another yesterday morning.

'The result of the tests confirmed that he was not infected with H1N1 at 4.30pm (yesterday). Upon the results, the doctors advised Zachary not to engage in a strenuous activity and continue to rest as he has ILI.'

The spokesman acknowledged that the time taken for the test results was longer than expected.

'(We have) reviewed the process and decided, in future, to conduct two tests - Immunofluorescence (IF) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) concurrently.'

This would enable results to be known as early as three hours.

The spokesman added: 'It was unfortunate that Zachary was unable to participate in the competition. However, the health and safety of the athletes and participants are of paramount importance.

'We cannot risk or compromise the well-being of Zachary and the rest of Games participants.'

This article was first published in The New Paper.

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