Covid claims 39-year-old man’s life in Chandigarh, was referred from Ludhiana

A 39-year-old labourer, hailing from Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh and presently residing in Samrala, Ludhiana, died after testing positive for Covid-19 at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32 here in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Sources said the patient had been referred to the GMCH on Monday from the district hospital in Ludhiana, where he was first admitted on May 23 with symptoms like fever and shortness of breath. Diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia, his condition deteriorated significantly over the next few days. Known to have Hepatitis B, he tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday and was shifted to the isolation ICU where he was placed on ventilator support. Despite intensive care, the patient succumbed to severe respiratory distress around 4 am today.

Covid-19 symptoms

Fever or chills

Cough, sore throat

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Shortness of breath, fatigue

Muscle or body aches

Loss of taste or smell

Congestion or runny nose

Headache, nausea or vomiting

Health authorities confirmed that it was the first Covid-related fatality in Chandigarh since the latest nationwide uptick in cases. However, the death will be attributed to Punjab as the person was not a resident of the UT. Officials stated that the deceased had no reported contacts in Chandigarh, thereby reducing concerns of local transmission. The body was handed over to his family after being prepared in accordance with Covid-19 safety guidelines.

Follow Covid-appropriate behaviour: PGI advisory

Wear a mask: Especially when visiting hospitals, using public transport, or in crowded places.

Report symptoms early: If you have a fever, cough, breathing issues, runny nose or loose motions, don’t delay in

seeing a doctor.

Don’t take medicines on your own: Avoid taking antibiotics or steroids without a doctor’s advice

Extra care for vulnerable people: Elderly people, those with other health problems and those with weak immunity should stay away from crowds and maintain proper hand hygiene.

Dr Gurvinder Pal Thami, Medical Superintendent, GMCH-32, stated, “At present, we only know about the patient admitted was Covid positive. There is no clarity on whether it was the latest JN.1 variant that claimed his life.”

Although large-scale Covid-19 testing is not being conducted at present, health experts have emphasised that there is no cause for alarm. On Tuesday, officials at the GMCH reviewed their isolation facilities to ensure readiness. The Government Multi-Speciality Hospital (GMSH) in Sector 16 reported that they were fully stocked with essential supplies.

Dr Suman Singh, Director of Health Services, stated that critical pneumonia cases would be tested and that routine preparedness drills were underway. She assured that a 10-bed isolation ward equipped with oxygen and ventilators was operational. “There is no reason to panic as the last Covid positive case in the city was recorded in December last year. We are keeping a close watch on the developments and will adapt our response as necessary. Also, on noticing Covid symptoms, one should get oneself tested at the nearest health facility,” she added.

Strict measures for cross-border referrals

Health officials reiterated their commitment to rigorous screening and adherence to Covid-19 containment measures, particularly in cases involving cross-border referrals, to prevent any potential spread within the UT.

A few days ago, a case of Covid was also reported at a private hospital in Mohali. A patient from Yamunanagar had tested positive for the virus. The 51-year-old female patient was suffering from multiple ailments, Covid being one of them. Health officials had confirmed that RTPCR tests were being conducted regularly, and it was the only case found positive in the recent times.

Government hospitals, especially the PGIMER, often get referral patients from adjoining states and currently Haryana and Punjab are witnessing although slow yet an increase in Covid patients. In view of this, the PGIMER has also strengthened Covid-19 vigilance.

Prof Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research) and Head, Department of Internal Medicine at PGIMER, said special wards for Covid-19 patients, including ICU beds and high-dependency units, had been activated again. Clear plans were in place to ensure patients were treated properly.

The oxygen supply systems, ventilators, and other life-saving equipment have been checked and kept ready in case there is a rise in serious cases. All departments are following the latest Covid-19 treatment guidelines as recommended by the ICMR and the Ministry of Health. The PGIMER continues to support the national effort to monitor changes in the virus by studying samples and reporting findings, Prof Jain added.

Don’t panic but be prepared, says expert

Dr PVM Lakshmi, a professor at the School of Public Health, PGIMER, clarified that the recent increase in Covid-19 cases across several states in India does not point to the emergence of a completely new variant. She explained that viral mutations are a routine occurrence. According to her, the current strain belongs to the JN.1 lineage, and it is still too early to determine the severity of its impact. Prof Jain also shared, “Be prepared, but don’t panic. Most of the new variant cases are mild, but vigilance is essential—especially to protect the vulnerable.”