Elderly COVID Patient With Head Injury, Lung Disease Dies In Agra Hospital

A 78-year-old COVID-19 positive man with comorbidities died at SN Medical College, Agra, triggering increased vigilance. The patient, from Firozabad, had a head injury and lung disease.

Representational Image | The case has led to increased vigilance across hospitals in Agra, with health officials stepping up surveillance.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

A COVID-19 positive patient died at SN Medical College, Agra on Tuesday, prompting heightened alertness in the health department and local administration.

The deceased, a 78-year-old man from Firozabad, was reportedly battling a head injury and chronic lung disease. He was admitted to SN Medical College, where he succumbed before his COVID-19 test could be completed. However, a private laboratory reported him as COVID-19 positive.

The case has led to increased vigilance across hospitals in Agra, with health officials stepping up surveillance and preparedness measures.

ICMR Director General On Spike In COVID Cases

In response to the recent developments, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has acknowledged a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, although it has clarified that the currently circulating variants exhibit only mild symptoms, resembling the Omicron strain.

Speaking to news agency ANI, ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl said, “The government and health agencies are closely monitoring COVID-19 cases and taking necessary steps. Currently, the number of active cases is low, and most cases are limited to southern and western India.”

He added, “The government is focusing on three key factors: the rate of transmission and the rapidly increasing cases, whether the virus is evading our natural and vaccine-induced immunity, and whether the current infections are more severe than before or have mild symptoms like Omicron.”

Dr Bahl also confirmed that surveillance is ongoing to determine the cause of the recent surge in infections. “Surveillance is underway to determine the reasons behind the increase in cases, and the government is making necessary preparations. The four variants that we have found are subvariants of Omicron — LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB.1.8.1. But more samples are being tested for further information,” he stated.

While cautioning against panic, he advised individuals with underlying health conditions to remain vigilant. “For now, there is no need for the public to panic, but the government and agencies are keeping a close watch on the situation. Currently, there is no need for additional precautions for the general public, but individuals with cancer or other immunocompromised conditions should exercise caution.”

On vaccine preparedness, Dr Bahl noted, “The government has developed platforms to create new vaccines. If a new variant emerges in the future, the government has two options: evaluate the effectiveness of existing vaccines and develop a new vaccine specifically targeting the new variant.”

“The government claims to be prepared and capable of quickly developing vaccines if needed. The situation is currently under control, but the government remains vigilant and is making necessary preparations,” he added, as per ANI.

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