3rd Covid death: Ludhiana under the microscope.
An 82-year-old man from the Samrala Road area died at a private hospital near Sherpur Chowk, the health department has reported. Officials concerned have said that the patient, who had a history of cardiac problems, was admitted on June 15 and died of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). A Covid-19 test conducted after his admission returned positive. The patient had no recent travel history, and his daughter, with whom he lived, has not exhibited symptoms.
Civil surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur confirmed that all three Covid-19 deaths in the district involved patients with comorbidities, and two occurred at a hospital in Chandigarh. "We are geared up already to check Covid-19, and have issued advisories to the public," she said. Health department officials have directed ground staff to increase testing of suspected cases and to remain vigilant. Of the three reported Covid-19 victims, two were elderly and one was middle-aged, officials have said.
Four patients are hospitalised currently: one is on intermittent oxygen support, two are stable without support, and one is a chronic kidney disease patient.
As of Friday, Ludhiana has reported a total of 64 Covid-19 cases since the start of the recent wave, with four new cases confirmed on Friday. The latest cases include two males, aged 51 and 65, and two females, aged 42 and 63, all from urban areas. Also, 34 patients have completed home quarantine, while 27 remain active cases — 23 of whom are isolating at home.
Medical experts are urging residents, those with existing health issues especially, to take extra precautions. Dr Dheeraj Aggarwal, president of the Ludhiana chapter of the Indian Medical Association, warned that people with comorbidities are at higher risk of infection and should avoid social gatherings, practise frequent hand washing, and maintain physical distance. He also recommended a nutritious diet during the monsoon season to help maintain immunity.
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