Bhubaneswar, August 15: A fresh COVID-19 case has been reported in Bhubaneswar, with a 50-year-old man from the Baramunda area testing positive for the virus. The development marks the first reported COVID-19 case in the state capital this year, according to reports.

The patient is currently undergoing treatment in the isolation ward of a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. Hospital sources said he was diagnosed after undergoing COVID-19 testing.

However, Public Health Director Dr Rabindranath Mishra told The New Indian Express that the health department had not yet received official information about the case at the time of reporting. He said hospitals across the state had already been instructed to share information whenever COVID-19 cases are detected.

Second COVID case in Odisha within a Month

The latest case comes less than a month after another COVID-19 infection was detected in Odisha.

On July 22, a 54-year-old woman from Purushottampur in Ganjam district tested positive and was subsequently admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for treatment.

With the Bhubaneswar case, health authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation, although there is currently no indication of a widespread outbreak in the state based on the information available.

Hospitals Asked to Remain Prepared

The Odisha Health Department had already directed hospitals in July to keep isolation facilities ready as a precautionary measure. It also called for increased surveillance and the deployment of rapid response teams in districts bordering Andhra Pradesh, following the detection of COVID-19 cases in the neighbouring state.

Officials have urged people not to panic but to remain alert and follow basic precautions, particularly if they develop symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

Authorities are expected to monitor the latest case closely and assess whether there are any additional infections or possible contacts linked to the patient. Details regarding his health condition and the source of infection are awaited.