Meanwhile, hospital hunt for its 3 patients continues

Fears about the dreaded H5N1 virus crossing the species barrier from poultry to humans kept doctors on toes in this tiny 50-bedded rural dis...

Fears about the dreaded H5N1 virus crossing the species barrier from poultry to humans kept doctors on toes in this tiny 50-bedded rural district hospital today. No human contact has yet been reported though three persons—a woman and two children—have been admitted to the hospital and are under observation.

Five people with suspected symptoms had come to the hospital on Saturday. Their blood samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune. The results were expected to come in five days, the hospital officials said. Two of the patients—a farmer’s wife Shakutala Gawit (38) and a farmer’s son Prakash Vasave (4)—were admitted to the hospital for medical observation. Prakash Vasave incidentally comes from Wasadha village, which is 100 km from Navapur.

The officials are now trying to locate the other three patients, who were allowed to leave the hospital after taking their blood samples.

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Today, 20 patients with suspected virus symptoms reported at the hospital. A five-year-old child was admitted and the rest were let off after taking their blood samples. ‘‘We have converted 20 of the 50 beds into an isolation ward,’’ said the officials.

The hospital began to show signs of preparedness only by Sunday afternoon after bureaucrats and state officials started doing rounds, asking questions and holding media briefings. To assist a small staff of 10 doctors and 12 nurses at the hospital, the medical colleges in Dhulia and Pune sent three physicians and anaesthetists today.

Director Health Services (check) PP Doke, who visited the hospital, said: ‘‘We will get 9,000 Tamiflu tablets by tonight. We have also ordered four ventilators.’’

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