Recombinomics: H5N1 Lab Confirmed in Patient in Damak Nepal

Commentary

H5N1 Lab Confirmed in Patient in Damak Nepal
Recombinomics Commentary 07:53
January 25, 2009

bird flu has been suspected to have infected Santosh Dahal from Damak who was taken to nearby BP Koirala Institute for Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in Dharan. Communication spokesperson for BPKIHS Bijay Rimal said bird flu virus has been suspected to have been found in Dahal's blood sample during test in institute's laboratory. He said Dahal's blood sample has been sent for further tests in a sophisticated laboratory. He said Dahal was showing symptoms of bird flu infection.

Dahal was referred to Dharan by Lifeline Hospital in Damak following three-day treatment there.

The above comments describe the first lab confirmed H5N1 case in Nepal. The sample has been sent for third party confirmation. Since Weybridge confirmed H5N1 in Nepal poultry, it seems likely that the sample was sent to Mill Hill in England.

This report provides more specifics to reports of human cases in Nepal. An earlier report described 5 patients in critical condition, but specifics were lacking. They were said to have developed symptoms about a week ago, which is consistent with the above case, who was hospitalized locally for 3 three days prior to transfer to Dharan (see satellite map).

More detail on the symptoms and condition of this patient would be useful.

If confirmed, the case would cast serious doubt on India’s claim that there are no human H5N1 cases there.

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