Expecting genome sequencing machine soon
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 1
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and new variants are emerging, fifty-four cases of Omicron variant has been confirmed in Nagaland as per Whole Genome Sequencing test results that were received from the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal on January 31.
Confirming this, Principal Director for Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao told The Morung Express that out of the 152 samples sent for WGS on January 20, a total of 79 samples were rejected while 54 Omicron variant of concern were detected. The 19 other samples were positive for the Delta variant of concern.
These samples, he said were collected from BSL labs from Tuensang, Dimapur and Kohima and the lab technicians are now sorting out the district wise details.
Although, the new variant has entered the state and is highly transmissible, Dr Khimiao said the intensity of the Omicron infection as compared with Delta variant is comparatively less severe as it involves the nose, throat and upper larynx, and does not involve the lungs which lead to breathlessness and required emergency treatment.
He maintained that the present trend for any positive patient is to go for home isolation for seven days, and unlike the previous variants, does not required hospitalization. However, in case of hospitalization, he said the treatment protocol remains the same.
“When few cases of Omicron variant are detected it must be largely looming in the given population as it is five times more transmissible than the Delta variant. However, comparatively, the severity is very less, and till now there are no cases of patients being admitted in the hospital due to Omicron,” Dr Khimiao maintained.
Nevertheless, he reiterated that the public should still strictly continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviors of wearing mask, hand washing and avoiding crowded and cramped places.
Dr Khimiao was optimistic that things would ‘cool down’ soon. “Things are fast changing and (we are) expecting things should cool down by the end of the month. Even in hospitals, though cases are being recorded, there is no alarming situation,” he said.
Genome sequencing machine coming soon
Sharing a bit of ‘good news’ amidst the battle against the virus, the Principal Director said the state may soon have a genome sequencing machine, which will make the process of WGS faster and easier.
Earlier samples collected from the state were sent to Kolkata, and currently to Imphal, which takes longer period of time. The wait period for the results tends to vary between two to three weeks.
According to Dr Khimiao, the department has approached the state government and the Government of India to expedite the process of acquiring the sequencing machine, and it has been accepted.
Nagaland may soon have its first genome sequencing machine through the John Hopkins Programme for International on Gynaecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO), a non-profit organization.
“This has been accepted by JHPIEGO who agreed to provide the State with one genome sequencing machine. Hopefully, it will reach the state soon,” Dr Khimiao added.
