All 20 samples test negative for H1N1

India has so far escaped unscathed as all 20 samples tested for H1N1 are negative. Samples of three more air passengers were sent for tests on Wednesday. Of them, two passengers landed in Hyderabad on Wednesday. They were referred to the health centre as they displayed symptoms of common cold. The third person volunteered to get himself tested in Jalandar after he returned from Canada last week.

Health authorities are keeping a strict watch on passengers coming from affected countries. Nearly 40,000 passengers were screened since Tuesday night. Of them, 5,987 were from affected countries.

The Union health ministry has issued a fresh advisory informing the public that retail sale of oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu) is not permitted in India and chemists are not authorised to sell it.