Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29 2009:
Swab sample of an Assam Rifles personnel who died at Leimakhong military hospital after suffering from an unknown disease but showing symptoms similar to those of swine flu like fever and vomiting has been sent to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, New Delhi.
The deceased AR personnel has been identified as Sushil Kumar Negi (32) s/o Ram Singh of Himachal Pradesh.
He was posted at the 30 AR post of Singhat in Churachandpur district.
But the state authority was peeved at the refusal of Indigo and Kingfisher Airlines to take the swab sample to New Delhi.
The Chief Secretary DS Poonia has written to the Secretary of the Union Civil Aviation Ministry seeking necessary actions against the two private airliners.
The sample was later sent to New Delhi by another airline.
Meanwhile, a sensitisation programme on swine flu was held today under the aegis of the State Health Services.
Speaking at the programme, swine flu nodal officer of the state Dr Th Bhubonchandra said so far four samples of the highly communicable disease have been sent to NICD and tested.
One sample was found positive while two others were confirmed negative.
The fourth sample is
awaiting results.
Regarding the death of the AR personnel, Dr Bhubonchandra said that swab sample of the AR personnel collected by army doctor was received yesterday.
The same sample has been sent to NICD for laboratory test today.
It has found that the AR personnel was prescribed antibiotic drugs and anti-malaria drugs.
Claiming that necessary precautionary measures to tackle outbreak of the disease have been taken up, the nodal officer said that doctors have been trained in containing in swine flu.
However, there are certain financial problems, he added.
On the other hand, suspecting the symptoms of the AR personnel, doctors, technicians and staff of RIMS mortuary conducted post mortem examination of the corpse wearing protective gears, kits and strictly following the specified guidelines.
He was brought to Leimakhong military hospital yesterday but he succumbed to the disease at about 5.30 pm yesterday., said a police source.
Following registration of case at Sapermeina PS, the corpse was brought to RIMS for post mortem today.
However, the doctors were suspicious of the symptoms shown by the deceased in case he was infected with H1N1 virus.
Later post mortem was conducted in accordance to the specified guidelines, using protective gears/kits provided by the Medical Directorate.