Dimapur, August 14 (MExN): A week after the first blood samples on “trial run” were sent to the National institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Delhi, for H1N1 tests, the state is still to receive the results. Disappointingly, it is learned, results are expected only after the Independence Day celebrations are over, most probably on Monday, August 18.
State Nodal Officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP), Dr Kevichusa Medikhru, when contacted surmised that the delay in the results reaching here may be because of the NICD being over-burdened by an overwhelming number of such samples from all over the country and the various stages of laboratory tests samples have to undergo. He also hinted at the testing centre giving priority to other regions where the flu is widespread.
He said that samples are graded under three categories (simple, probable and strong suspects) based on the level of severity. The samples that were sent from here were graded in the “simple” category he said. Now the question is, can the state be assured of “top priority” if samples are graded in the “strong suspect” category? And if such a scenario does arise how effectively will the government or the department in concern pursue tests to be carried out at the earliest, wherever it may be.
Also, it is learned that an official from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare arrived in the state on Thursday to review the state’s preparedness in the matter. The State Nodal Officer (IDSP) informed that the official, Dr Bhutia, interacted with IDSP officials on Friday at Kohima. Dr Kevichusa said Dr Bhutia was “quite satisfied with the state’s level of preparedness” however basic it may be. The official will leave on Saturday. Another representative from the central government, Subhash Sharma, Secretary for Border Affairs will be reaching here on Saturday he said. The exact nature of his visit could not be confirmed.
When queried on the condition of the two persons whose samples were sent he replied they are leading normal lives and not in isolation as reported. Along with the two samples it is learned that another sample for Japanese Encephalitis tests were sent. Results of the JE tests are yet to be received.
