Agra: In the absence of proper diagnostic tests by private centres and hospitals to identify cases of swine flu and dengue, district health authorities have directed them to send reports on identified or suspected cases of dengue and swine flu to the department. They have also been advised to refer patients to the SN Medical College (SNMC) for standard treatment.According to chief medical officer (CMO) Mukesh Kumar Vats, a majority of private centres are not conducting the right test for swine flu and dengue. For determination of swine flu, real-time polymerase chain reaction RT-PCR test is necessary. After a patient tests positive, suitable medication should be started. In this regard, adequate arrangements are available at the SNMC.Laboratories commonly conduct influenza A test for all the cases of chills, fatigue and fever. On getting a positive report, private hospitals admit patients on suspicion of swine flu.According to health department, the viral test is inappropriate for determination of swine flu. The lab report comes positive in several cases of common flu. Chills, fatigue and fever are not always the symptoms of swine flu. But RT-PCR test must be conducted to detect H1NI flu virus (swine flu).In Agra district, recently two twins were identified as suffering from swine flu. Following medical treatment, the one-and-a-half-year-old children are out of danger. However, their uncle, who is a resident of the city, was diagnosed late for H1N1 and died while undergoing treatment in Delhi.The CMO said, “Besides swine flu, suitable arrangements have been made for dengue patients at the SNMC. So far, five dengue patients have been admitted. They are under constant supervision. One of the dengue patients is in a critical condition and has been shifted to an isolation ward.”Recently, a new an Agra-based businessman and homeguard have succumbed to dengue. The health department is confirming cases of dengue only on the basis of reports from SNMC and district hospital.Meanwhile, Abhishek Bharti, 20-year-old son of Agra municipal corporation’s tax department officer Subhash Bharti, died of dengue on Saturday. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Delhi.

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