Mysuru: Amid the rise in the number of people being infected with the Omicron strain of the novel coronavirus, India lacks a genomic sequencing laboratory. Mysore is deeply felt. The new strain of the virus is highly contagious, and experts have pointed out that any delay in identifying people infected with the Omicron strain can result in the infection spreading uncontrollably very quickly.
A private doctor said that if results are delayed, there will be little use in effective management of patients. Improving immunization and healthcare infrastructure will help combat covid more effectively,” he said.
Thus far, two people in Mysore have tested positive for the Omicron strain of Novel Coronavirus. But Mysuru officials fear that given the rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 over the past week, there may be more people who have been infected with the new strain of the virus. Although the new variant is reportedly less severe than the Delta strain, people have been advised not to let their guard down and follow safety protocols.
The state government has announced its intention to open genomic sequencing laboratories at four locations apart from Bengaluru. One of the proposed locations was Mysore, but the lab is yet to start operations in the city, which affected the fight against COVID. Thus far, samples collected from 500 people have been sent to NIV in Bengaluru for genomic sequencing testing.
Health department officials in Mysuru said the delta strain is responsible for most of the cases in the district. However, instructions have been issued to them to send samples of those who have returned to Bengaluru from abroad and in groups.
Mysuru District Surveillance Officer Dr T Shivaprasad told TOI, “Out of the 481 samples that were tested for Omicron strain from Mysuru district, two have tested positive. Among those infected with the new strain were a nine-year-old girl and the other a student. Both the patients have recovered from the infection. Samples are sent to the NIV in Bengaluru, and results are delayed due to the burden on the facility. ,
‘Operations in the lab will start soon’
Dr HN Dinesh, Dean and Director, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute said that the genomic sequencing laboratory in Mysore will start operations soon. “Experts and technicians are conducting tests, and the central government recently sent an approval letter, allowing the laboratory in Mysuru to start operations. We are waiting to appoint some scientists, who will conduct the tests. We will also need other staff to start full-fledged operations in the laboratory. The laboratory will start functioning in a week’s time,” said Dr Dinesh.
A private doctor said that if results are delayed, there will be little use in effective management of patients. Improving immunization and healthcare infrastructure will help combat covid more effectively,” he said.
Thus far, two people in Mysore have tested positive for the Omicron strain of Novel Coronavirus. But Mysuru officials fear that given the rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 over the past week, there may be more people who have been infected with the new strain of the virus. Although the new variant is reportedly less severe than the Delta strain, people have been advised not to let their guard down and follow safety protocols.
The state government has announced its intention to open genomic sequencing laboratories at four locations apart from Bengaluru. One of the proposed locations was Mysore, but the lab is yet to start operations in the city, which affected the fight against COVID. Thus far, samples collected from 500 people have been sent to NIV in Bengaluru for genomic sequencing testing.
Health department officials in Mysuru said the delta strain is responsible for most of the cases in the district. However, instructions have been issued to them to send samples of those who have returned to Bengaluru from abroad and in groups.
Mysuru District Surveillance Officer Dr T Shivaprasad told TOI, “Out of the 481 samples that were tested for Omicron strain from Mysuru district, two have tested positive. Among those infected with the new strain were a nine-year-old girl and the other a student. Both the patients have recovered from the infection. Samples are sent to the NIV in Bengaluru, and results are delayed due to the burden on the facility. ,
‘Operations in the lab will start soon’
Dr HN Dinesh, Dean and Director, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute said that the genomic sequencing laboratory in Mysore will start operations soon. “Experts and technicians are conducting tests, and the central government recently sent an approval letter, allowing the laboratory in Mysuru to start operations. We are waiting to appoint some scientists, who will conduct the tests. We will also need other staff to start full-fledged operations in the laboratory. The laboratory will start functioning in a week’s time,” said Dr Dinesh.
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