Karnataka Government Forms Expert Panel to Probe Rise in Sudden Deaths
The Karnataka government has formed an expert committee to investigate a recent spate of sudden deaths in Hassan district, where over 20 people have reportedly died from heart attacks in the past month. The panel, led by the director of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, has been tasked with identifying the exact cause of the deaths and submitting a report within ten days. The move follows rising public concern and speculation about the causes, including potential post-COVID effects.
Unpacked:
Victims include a wide age range, with several young adults as young as 19 and 20 years old among the deceased, indicating the phenomenon is not limited to older populations.
While the exact cause is still under investigation, public speculation includes potential post-COVID effects. The expert committee will examine medical, environmental, and lifestyle factors to determine if any patterns or specific causes exist.
The Karnataka government has formed an expert panel led by senior cardiology and health experts. Hospitals have reported increased cardiac-related outpatient visits, and a local health task force is reviewing each case to assess underlying causes and patterns.
Currently, the spike in sudden cardiac deaths appears concentrated in Hassan district, with no reports of comparable trends in other parts of Karnataka or India in the provided sources. Officials are treating the situation as a localized crisis for now.