Tamil Nadu government on Monday said there is no evidence to support claims that a highly virulent coronavirus variant is spreading in the state. It urged the public not to panic or believe rumours.
In a statement, the government referred to a 52-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh who was shifted from a private hospital in Tirupati to a private hospital in Vellore on June 26 for further treatment. He had Covid-19 along with a bacterial infection (Klebsiella pneumoniae) and comorbidities including diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and he died on June 28.
The statement also noted the death of a 68-year-old patient who was treated at a private hospital in Vellore and died due to respiratory failure linked to colon cancer, with Covid detected incidentally. Separately, a 46-year-old man from Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh reportedly died due to Covid, and the case is under review by the Andhra Pradesh health department.
According to the government, 335 Covid infections have been confirmed in Tamil Nadu so far this year, all detected during routine disease surveillance rather than due to a surge in transmission. Most patients had only mild symptoms, and there is no indication of increased severity or unusual clinical presentations.
Officials advised elderly people, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses and individuals with low immunity to continue precautions. People with fever, cough, sore throat or breathing difficulty were asked to seek medical advice at the nearest government hospital, while health authorities continue monitoring and preparedness measures.
