Now, KMC Hospital testing centre

The director of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), New Delhi, Dr Ravindran personally inspected the laboratory facilities at the hospital and recognised it as an official testing centre.

“The hospital with a full-fledged laboratory had been testing samples for the past 10 days but had not been authorised to declare the results. Now, it can test and announce the results,” District Health Surveillance Officer Dr Rajesh told Deccan Herald.

“Two separate throat swabs used to be collected from the suspected patients. While one was being tested in Manipal, another was being tested in NICD, New Delhi. After comparing the two reports, the NICD used to declare the results. Now, the KMC Hospital can independently declare the results,” he informed. Out of the total 10 suspected cases reported in the district five have been confirmed, while four other cases have been tested negative. Lab report on one more case is being awaited. All the five patients with confirmed H1N1 reports are being treated at two private hospitals in Mangalore. “All of them are students. Of the five, three are Malaysians and the rest are Indians,” Dr Rajesh said.

In Mysore

The district administration has identified three hospitals in Mysore City to deal with H1N1 cases. Although not a single case has been reported in the district so far, they are on high alert.

Deputy Commissioner P Manivannan told Deccan Herald that the administration has identified Vikram Hospital, Apollo Hospital and Epidemic and Chest Diseases Hospital, Metagalli Road for those who wish to undergo H1N1 tests. The blood samples of the suspected patients would be collected and send for further examination. The district has adequate stock of Tamiflu medicine.

Besides, 10 beds are reserved in isolation ward of K R Hospital to treat such cases. A team of doctors is available round the clock to treat patients.