CHENNAI: At least 54 people, including doctors, nurses and medical students, tested positive COVID-19 at a hospital in Chennai on Saturday. The source of the infection, according to doctors, was a diabetic patient, who was admitted to the hospital for a skin graft procedure on December 17.
While no travel history was reported in any of the patients, at least 39 of them had an S-gene drop – an indicator that they may be carrying the Omicron variant. The hospital said all the patients have a mild form of the infection and their condition is stable.
On Saturday, Health Minister Ma Subramaniam said the state has tested 3,038 close contacts of patients, including hospital staff, students and family members, between December 18 and 24. So far, 54 contacts have tested positive, he told reporters. Those infected include 18 healthcare providers – seven graduate medical residents (CRRIs), seven nursing students, two staff nurses, a PG students, and an outsourced employee. At least 21 other contacts, including family, have also tested positive. “We are continuing to trace and test the contacts. The samples of all the patients have been sent for whole genome sequencing,” said the health minister.
According to the dean of the hospital, the health of all the patients is stable. Dr. E Theranirajani, “Our teams tracked and tested all contacts of health care workers including hostel and classmates who sat with them for lunch or tea. Close contacts who tested negative have also been asked to report if they have a cold. There are symptoms of sore throat or fever. Patients who tested positive have a mild form of the infection and are doing well,” he said.
according to the data of public health departmentOf course, most patients — confirmed and suspected of carrying the Omicron variant — have mild symptoms. Health secretary J Radhakrishnan said, “This is our biggest challenge. They will not even know that they are sick. So, they will not isolate themselves but will spread it to many close contacts.”
Scientists warn that this type is immunosuppressive and spreads faster than any other type. “Preliminary data in contact tracing in the state clearly shows that the spread is high and high among close contacts and in closed unventilated rooms,” he said.
While no travel history was reported in any of the patients, at least 39 of them had an S-gene drop – an indicator that they may be carrying the Omicron variant. The hospital said all the patients have a mild form of the infection and their condition is stable.
On Saturday, Health Minister Ma Subramaniam said the state has tested 3,038 close contacts of patients, including hospital staff, students and family members, between December 18 and 24. So far, 54 contacts have tested positive, he told reporters. Those infected include 18 healthcare providers – seven graduate medical residents (CRRIs), seven nursing students, two staff nurses, a PG students, and an outsourced employee. At least 21 other contacts, including family, have also tested positive. “We are continuing to trace and test the contacts. The samples of all the patients have been sent for whole genome sequencing,” said the health minister.
According to the dean of the hospital, the health of all the patients is stable. Dr. E Theranirajani, “Our teams tracked and tested all contacts of health care workers including hostel and classmates who sat with them for lunch or tea. Close contacts who tested negative have also been asked to report if they have a cold. There are symptoms of sore throat or fever. Patients who tested positive have a mild form of the infection and are doing well,” he said.
according to the data of public health departmentOf course, most patients — confirmed and suspected of carrying the Omicron variant — have mild symptoms. Health secretary J Radhakrishnan said, “This is our biggest challenge. They will not even know that they are sick. So, they will not isolate themselves but will spread it to many close contacts.”
Scientists warn that this type is immunosuppressive and spreads faster than any other type. “Preliminary data in contact tracing in the state clearly shows that the spread is high and high among close contacts and in closed unventilated rooms,” he said.
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