India: On Wednesday, a 74-year-old man from Rajasthan, who died on December 31, 2021, was confirmed as India’s first Omicron-related death.
Fully vaccinated Rajasthan man Tested Covid negative twice
According to a report by Indian Express, the man, admitted to Udaipur’s Maharana Bhupal hospital on December 15, tested negative for Covid twice, and died on December 31. Doctors in Udaipur said the patient, who was fully vaccinated, had comorbidities.
Technically it is an Omicron related death: Health Officials
Meanwhile, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health and Family Welfare said, “Technically it is an Omicron-related death. He was an elderly person who had diabetes and comorbid conditions. When he was detected as Omicron-positive, his treatment, including those for existing comorbidities, was going on as per protocol.”
Indian guidelines on Covid-19 related death
Speaking about the guidelines followed by the Indian government on coronavirus related death he said, “Our guidelines state that if a coronavirus positive patient dies, it is considered as COVID-19 fatality. Similarly, if a person is found to be Omicron positive, even if it detected late, we will consider that as Omicron positive case only.”
“That person had already died by the time the Omicron positive results came. He was an elderly person and had diabetes and comorbid conditions and was being treated as per protocol for his co-morbid conditions and for the infection,” Agarwal added.
