In a concerning development from Ludhiana, two children of a recently deceased COVID-19 patient have tested positive for the virus. The children, one son and one daughter, are the offspring of a 40-year-old man originally from Uttar Pradesh who succumbed to COVID-19 complications in Chandigarh earlier this week. According to health officials, the infected children are asymptomatic and have been placed in quarantine as a precautionary measure.
COVID-19 Victim’s Case Triggers Health Alert
The 40-year-old man had been working in Ludhiana when he experienced severe respiratory issues. He was admitted to ESI Hospital on May 23 after developing breathlessness. As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to a higher medical facility in Chandigarh on May 26. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, the patient passed away on May 29, becoming one of the recent casualties of the coronavirus in the region.
In response to his death, the district health department immediately activated contact tracing protocols and began testing family members and individuals who had interacted with the patient.
Testing Reveals Two Positive Cases In Immediate Family
Among the five close family members tested, only the two children were found to be COVID-19 positive. The victim’s wife and two other children returned negative results. Officials have confirmed that the infected children are not displaying any symptoms at this stage. Nevertheless, they have been isolated and are being closely monitored to prevent further spread of the virus.
In addition, ten healthcare workers and support staff who had contact with the patient during his stay at ESI Hospital were also tested. Fortunately, all of them tested negative for COVID-19.
Health Department Issues Reassurance Amid Mild Virus Strain
Ludhiana’s Civil Surgeon, Dr Ramandeep Kaur, addressed public concerns following the development. She reassured residents that the health department is fully prepared to tackle any arising challenges, including a potential uptick in COVID-19 cases.
“Our medical teams are vigilant, and we have well-established protocols for testing, isolation, and treatment. There is no cause for panic,” said Dr Kaur. She also noted that the current COVID-19 strains circulating in the community appear to be relatively mild, and the city’s hospitals are adequately equipped to handle new cases.
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Emphasis On Hygiene And Public Cooperation
Dr Kaur emphasised the importance of public cooperation during such times. She urged residents to follow basic preventive measures such as wearing masks in crowded areas, maintaining hand hygiene, and seeking medical advice if they develop symptoms such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing.
She also encouraged people to respond positively if contacted by the health department for contact tracing or testing, stating, “It’s vital that we all play our part in keeping the community safe. Early detection and isolation remain the most effective tools in managing COVID-19 spread.”
No Sudden Spike In Testing Yet
Despite the incident, local health officials report that the RT PCR lab at Civil Hospital has not recorded any sudden surge in COVID-19 testing. The number of individuals coming in for tests remains consistent, indicating that there is no immediate panic among the public.
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Further investigations have revealed that the deceased man had a medical history, including a previous hospitalisation for Hepatitis B last year. While it’s unclear whether this condition contributed to his vulnerability to COVID-19, it may have played a role in the severity of his symptoms.
Staying Vigilant As New Cases Emerge
This incident is a sobering reminder that COVID-19, though no longer a global emergency, has not disappeared. Asymptomatic transmission and the emergence of new variants remain ongoing concerns, especially in densely populated regions like Ludhiana.
As the health department continues to monitor the situation, residents are reminded to remain cautious, adhere to public health guidelines, and support efforts to contain any new outbreaks.