Jharkhand reports first Covid-19 death in latest surge

PINAKI MAJUMDAR

Jamshedpur, June 11: Jharkhand has reported its first Covid-19-related death in the latest wave of infections, as a 44-year-old man succumbed to complications at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by state health officials, who emphasized that the patient was suffering from multiple underlying health conditions in addition to being Covid-19 positive.

According to Ranchi Civil Surgeon Dr. Prabhat Kumar, the deceased had several pre-existing illnesses, which likely contributed to the fatal outcome.

The health department’s latest bulletin confirms that there are currently six active Covid-19 cases in the state, and nine patients have recovered since January 1 this year.

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RIMS Clarifies Cause of Death as Septic Shock, Not Covid Alone

RIMS, Jharkhand’s largest government hospital, later released an official press statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the death.

The hospital attributed the patient’s demise primarily to septic shock. The patient, originally referred from the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) on June 2, reportedly experienced cardiac arrest and respiratory failure after choking on food.

Despite receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the patient could not be revived. Hospital officials reiterated that while the patient tested positive for Covid-19, it was not the direct cause of death.

Ranchi Records 24 Covid Cases, 12 Still Active

Meanwhile, Ranchi is witnessing a steady rise in Covid-19 cases. As of now, the total number of confirmed cases in the city has reached 24, with 12 currently active.

On Tuesday alone, 20 individuals were tested for the virus, out of which four were found to be positive.

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Public Advisory Issued Amid Rise in Infections

In response to the uptick in cases, the Ranchi district administration has issued a public advisory urging people to exercise caution.

Individuals exhibiting symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, headache, or fever have been advised to wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are appealing to the public to remain vigilant but not alarmed, as efforts to contain the virus are ongoing.

The IPRD Department has also urged people to remain cautious. In an SMS alert, the department stated that COVID-19 cases are increasing in several parts of the country in recent days, and this is a time for vigilance, not carelessness.

It advised the public to wear masks in crowded places, maintain hand hygiene, and get tested if needed. The message concluded with an appeal to take care of oneself and one’s family.