Udit Vani Jamshedpur : After months of relative calm, COVID-19 has once again made its presence felt in Jharkhand.
The state reported its first fatality of the new infection wave as a 44-year-old male patient, who had tested positive for the virus, died at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi on Tuesday.
The case has raised concern among health officials and the public, even as authorities continue to reassure that the situation remains under control.
Cause of Death and Clarification from RIMS
According to an official statement from RIMS, the patient had been referred from the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) on June 2 after he suffered a cardiac arrest caused by food choking, which led to respiratory distress. Despite emergency resuscitation efforts (CPR), the patient could not be saved. RIMS clarified that the cause of death was septic shock—a severe bloodstream infection—and not COVID-19 directly.
The hospital also emphasized that the patient was battling multiple comorbid conditions, which likely contributed to the severity of his condition.
Nevertheless, his COVID-positive status at the time of death makes this the first death during the current wave of infections in the state, triggering widespread public and media attention.
Current COVID-19 Status in Jharkhand
As per the latest health department bulletin:
* Active COVID-19 cases in Jharkhand: 6
* Total recoveries in 2025 (as of June 11): 9
* First case of 2025 detected on May 24 — in a person who had returned from Mumbai.
The infection appears to be spreading slowly but steadily, with Ranchi emerging as the hotspot.
COVID Surge in Ranchi: Numbers on the Rise
The capital city Ranchi has seen a noticeable rise in COVID cases over the past few days:
* Total confirmed cases in Ranchi: 24
* Active cases: 12
On Tuesday, June 10, 20 individuals were tested — 4 were found positive, indicating a 20% positivity rate for the day.
Health authorities are now ramping up surveillance and urging citizens to adhere to basic safety measures.
Public Advisory and Preventive Measures
In light of the recent developments, the Ranchi District Administration has issued a health advisory recommending precautionary steps:
* Wear masks in public if experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, headache, or fever.
* Maintain basic hygiene and social distancing in crowded places.
* Avoid self-medication and report symptoms to the nearest health center.
* Elderly individuals and those with comorbidities are advised to exercise extra caution.
What This Means for Jharkhand
While the number of cases remains low compared to the peaks of earlier COVID-19 waves, the re-emergence of the virus is a reminder of its unpredictability.
Experts note that the virus continues to mutate and seasonal spikes are not unusual, especially as public behavior becomes more relaxed.
Medical professionals in Jharkhand are calling for vigilance without panic, highlighting the availability of testing, improved treatment protocols, and better preparedness than during previous waves.
Final Word
The recent death at RIMS, though not directly caused by COVID-19, underscores the importance of taking the virus seriously, especially for those with existing health issues. Jharkhand’s health infrastructure has evolved, but the virus remains a threat when ignored.
With cases on the rise, particularly in Ranchi, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this remains a localized flare-up or the start of a broader trend.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and appeal to the public to follow safety advisories to prevent further spread.
उदित वाणी 
टेलीग्राम पर भी उपलब्ध है। यहां क्लिक करके आप सब्सक्राइब कर सकते हैं।