No new H1N1 case,French tourist,Boston teen’s father among 4 discharged from RML

Test samples of two patients — one from Singapore and another from Germany — have been sent to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases. Results of the tests are expected by Sunday afternoon. RML Hospital is caring for three H1N1 positive patients — all on their way to recovery.

Judging from the pattern of the pandemic,authorities maintain that the strain of the current flu is likely to infect one-third of the population,but the mortality rate will not be high.

The cause for worry,however,is that there might be a second wave before the flu settles down.

“This is not a virulent strain and we had just prepared for worst-case scenarios. Past experiences with pandemics show that they come in waves and the second might be more dangerous as the genetic make-up of the virus might change,” said Lt Gen (Dr) J R Bhardwaj,member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

“The government’s efforts are concentrated on continuity of businesses,besides containing the spread of the virus which is why we had looked at the possible options,” added Bhardwaj.

The NICD has been testing patients admitted at Dr RML Hospital every alternate day to monitor their condition.

“All patients are stable and their condition is improving,” said a senior hospital official.

Two patients,who were earlier quarantined at their farmhouse in Rajokri near Palam airport,were discharged after testing negative.