Srilanka, March 17 -- Six individuals from a group that returned to Tissamaharama after a 20-day pilgrimage to India have been admitted to Debarawewa Base Hospital with an unidentified pneumonia-like illness resembling the coronavirus.

One patient, experiencing severe breathing difficulties, has been transferred to the intensive care unit at Karapitiya Hospital.

Hospital sources report that samples from the patients have been sent to Hambantota General Hospital and the Colombo Institute of Medical Research to determine whether the illness is linked to the virus currently spreading in India. Test results are expected in a few days.

Acting Medical Superintendent of Debarawewa Hospital, Ms. Avanthi Rupasinghe, has advised individuals exp...