KOLKATA: The state health department has informally told pathological laboratories to preserve HMVP positive samples so that those could be sent for. genomic sequencingif required.
Health officials reiterated that there was no unusual spike in the number of HMPV cases in the state. They claimed the department was vigilant in detecting any kind of clustering.
“There is no threat of HMPV as the stray cases being detected are absolutely in the normal range. But in case of any mandate for genomic sequencing of positive samples, we have communicated to labs to preserve such samples so that we have these ready,” said a state health official.
Doctors have repeatedly stressed that there was no reason to panic. However, they had also stated that the concern could arise only if the reported surge in China was being caused by a new variant. Genomic sequencing can detect any mutation in the virus.
“We have identified only four HMPV cases in our lab since mid-Nov, the last one being on Jan 1. We see no such spike to be concerned about,” said microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhuri of Peerless Hospital.