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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
3rd Covid death: Ludhiana under the microscope.
Ludhiana: Local health authorities are ramping up Covid-19 testing and preparedness after the district recorded its third virus-related death on Thursday, raising concerns about rising cases and the vulnerability of those with underlying health conditions. 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. MSID:: 121977194 413 |
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid-19 positivity rate increases in Ludhiana during June.
Ludhiana: Health authorities in Ludhiana have flagged a concerning uptick in Covid-19 cases, with the district's positivity rate jumping to 7.14% in early June — the highest monthly figure this year and nearly 12 times May's rate, suggests official data. The surge comes after months of negligible case counts. From Jan through April, more than 2,100 tests yielded zero positive cases. In May, only four cases were detected from 680 tests — a modest 0.6% positivity rate. However, in just the first six days of June, 12 out of 168 tests came back positive, marking a sharp rise. While the total number of infections remains low—16 cases from 2,988 tests since January—public health experts and officials are urging caution without sparking alarm. A health department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said most positive patients are asymptomatic and under home isolation. "There's no cause for panic yet," the official said, "but it's too early to rule out a potential increase." Authorities recommend wearing masks in crowded areas and self-isolating if experiencing flu-like symptoms. Testing is advised for those showing signs of infection. Most tests so far have been conducted at Ludhiana's civil hospital, with the remainder done at private facilities. Dr Dheeraj Aggarwal, president of the Ludhiana chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), echoed the need for public responsibility. "We believe many suspected cases are going unreported. Until new guidelines are issued, people should take general precautions — wear masks, wash hands, and maintain respiratory hygiene," he said. Dr Aggarwal stressed that individuals with cold or flu symptoms should consider it their civic duty to self-isolate to avoid spreading infections. "It's time we start accepting COVID as part of daily life," he said. Punjab health minister, Dr Balbir Singh, during a meeting with volunteer organisations on Friday, downplayed the situation, calling it "completely normal". He reiterated that the Punjab govt was equipped to manage any rise in infections. However, he advised immunocompromised individuals — including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses — to wear masks as a precaution. MSID:: 121707067 413 |
