First Covid-19 Case Confirmed In Tirupati, 65-Year-Old Woman Under Treatment

TIRUPATI: Tirupati has reported its first Covid-19 case in the new spell as a 65-year-old woman from STV Nagar tested positive. The health department confirmed the case on Monday.

According to health officials, the woman was suffering from respiratory problems for the past few days. Her family admitted her to a private hospital, where doctors collected her sample on July 23 and sent it to a laboratory in Chennai. The test report, received the following day, confirmed Covid-infection.

She is currently undergoing treatment in the special isolation ward at SVR Ruia government general hospital, and doctors termed her condition stable.

District medical officer V Balakrishna Naik said the woman's eight primary contacts, including her family members and a visitor from Hyderabad, were tested, and all of them tested negative. The patient, he said, has tuberculosis, diabetes and hypertension. She had recently undergone heart surgery, making her more vulnerable to complications.

With Covid cases reported in neighbouring Kadapa district, the health department has increased surveillance in Tirupati. Ruia hospital superintendent B Manohar said the hospital has completed all preparedness measures. A 15-bed isolation ward has been readied with dedicated doctors and nursing staff. Stocks of medicines, oxygen, PPE kits, N95 masks and rapid test kits are available at the hospital in case more Covid-cases come in.

Dr Manohar said the symptoms of Covid are similar to those of common viral fever, including cold, cough, body pain and nasal congestion. Some patients may also experience loss of smell. “Most adults have developed immunity through vaccination and there is no need for panic. However, people with diabetes, high blood pressure and other existing health conditions should take extra care.”