Public health officials have denied online reports of an Italian cruise ship tourist being treated in a local hospital for suspected coronavirus, saying the man has influenza.

The patient has been admitted to Health City Cayman Islands.

Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, medical officer of health at the Public Health Department, told the Cayman Compass that there is no suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus on island, and that the Italian man is being treated for “another medical condition”.

Shortly afterwards, Cayman’s chief medical officer, Dr. John Lee, on Twitter said, “Health City is caring for a visitor who has treated positive for the flu. They have no suspected cases of COVID-19.”

Later on Monday, Health City issued statement re-affirming that there are no cases of the virus at the hospital.

Clinical Director Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil said in the statement, “These rumors are completely untrue and unsubstantiated. There are no suspected or confirmed cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Health City Cayman Islands. We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and Public Health officials regarding the potential arrival of Coronavirus disease in the Cayman Islands, and would not accept any suspected cases without prior discussion with Government officials.

“We take infection control very seriously at Health City Cayman Islands, and our standard protocols guard against the spread of any bacterial or viral infection within our hospital.”