This story is from February 28, 2019

H1N1 toll touches 43 in MP, testing delays make situation worse

H1N1 toll touches 43 in MP, testing delays make situation worse
21 deaths have been reported from the state capital this year
Bhopal: As the H1N1 outbreak in Madhya Pradesh gathers grip — both testing facilities — at AIIMS and Gandhi Medical College (GMC) in the state capital failed to conduct tests, according to health department officials.
On Tuesday, the Union ministry of health and family welfare stated that 201 people have tested positive for H1N1 in Madhya Pradesh this year, out of which 43 died.

AIIMS Bhopal and GMC virology laboratory are two of the three laboratories in the state that conduct diagnostic tests for the deadly contagion. The other laboratory is run by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) based in Jabalpur.
AIIMS Bhopal officials could not be contacted on Tuesday. GMC’s microbiology head of department Dr Deepti Chourasia said, “H1N1 test is conducted when samples are received.” H1N1 testing at the GMC laboratory began in February itself.
Over 28 samples of suspected H1N1 patients from Bhopal alone were awaited on Tuesday. All the samples were sent to AIIMS Bhopal, confirmed health department officials. As many as 9 people suspected with H1N1 are considered to be in serious condition.
In 2019, Bhopal has reported more than two dozen H1N1 cases and 21 deaths have been reported in the state capital. Health department officials mention that all the deceased were not residents of the state capital and were brought to Bhopal for critical care.
A GMC expert had told TOI earlier this year that H1N1 testing for patients from outside the state capital takes about 4 days. The health department has initiated a protocol for overcoming the problem. Dose of oseltamivir phosphate (popularly known as Tamiflu) is administered in critical patients without waiting for H1N1 diagnostic reports.
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