Deepika Pasham
deepikapasham2015@gmail.com
Hyderabad
The Medchal–Malkajgiri district Medical and Health Officer, Dr C. Uma Gowri, has confirmed a fresh COVID-19 positive case in Kukatpally in Hyderabad. The individual, a pulmonologist staying in Vivekananda Nagar, has been isolated for five days.
“Contact tracing has been completed, and no symptoms have been observed among his family members or close contacts,” said Dr Uma Gowri. “Currently, the individual remains asymptomatic and is under medical supervision.”
Health officials have urged people experiencing fever or COVID-19 symptoms to immediately contact their nearest Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Urban PHCs (UPHCs), or local government hospitals.
Dr B. Ravinder Nayak, the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, told The Pioneer, “We are initiating precautionary measures for Telangana in line with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines. The Health Department is fully prepared to handle COVID-19 cases. We will consider setting up a nodal centre if necessary.”
Dr Ranga Reddy Burri, the President of the Infection Control Academy of India, added, “These are isolated cases. The renewed attention is largely due to rising cases in places like China and Hong Kong. Most reported cases are from areas with better diagnostic access. There is no need for panic, as these Omicron variants present symptoms like common respiratory illnesses. However, the elderly and those undergoing medical treatment should be extra cautious.”
The District Medical and Health Officer of Hyderabad, Dr J. Venkati, confirmed that special monitoring teams are being deployed. “The reported cases are incidental and appear along with seasonal influenza and other illnesses,” he said.
Pulmonologists in Telangana said that many upper respiratory infections currently test positive for COVID-19.
“People are not getting tested, having moved on mentally from the pandemic. Most symptoms mimic common cold and other respiratory infections,” they said.
