Kathmandu, March 3: The National Public Health Laboratory is facing an onrush of patients suffering from cold and cough and seeking Swine Influenza H1N1 test, which it is unable to withstand.
NPHL Director Dr Gita Shakya said the laboratory was seeing a daily influx of around 70 persons. The laboratory is apparently unable to hold out the barrage of patients eager for Swine flu testing.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Ministry of Health and Population here, Dr Shakya said, “The laboratory is finding it difficult to withstand the pressure of patients suffering from cold who are demanding a test for Swine flu.”
On Monday a total of 70 patients visited the laboratory, said Shakya while adding that the number of people seeking certificate to clarify that they are not suffering from the virus is also on the rise. Nepali students seeking enrolment in Indian educational institutes in the neighbouring country have been asked to submit such certificates compulsorily.
Dr Shakya said of the total of 300 tests carried so far the virus was detected in 48 cases.
Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) Chief Dr Baburam Marasini said four hundred medicos were already given training to control the virus and it had adequate stock of Tamiflu doses, a medication against Swine flu.
The symptoms of the virus are cold, cough, high fever, nausea, sore throat and chest pain. It is transferred from an infected person through sneezing, breath, kissing, hugging and even handshake.
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