• By Vivek Raj
  • Thu, 28 Dec 2023 09:21 AM (IST)
  • Source:ANI

DMDK founder and former actor Vijayakanth on Thursday passed away at the age of 71 in a private hospital in Chennai. The MIOT hospital confirmed his death in a statement and said he was admitted on ventilator support and was treated for pneumonia. 

"Captain Vijaykanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023," the hospital said in a release.

Earlier his party, DMDK informed that Vijaykanth had tested positive for COVID-19 and had been put on ventilator support due to breathing issues. 

Narayanan Vijayaraj Alagarswami, better known as Vijaykanth was a former actor and had worked in Tamil cinema . He was the founder and president of political party Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). Prior to politics, Vijaykanth was a successful producer, actor and director. He served as MLA from Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam constituency respectively.

PM Narendra Modi remembered Vijaykanth and wrote a post on X.

 

Meanwhile, Delhi has reported the first case of the JN.1 sub-variant of Omicron. Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj revealed that out of three samples sent for genome sequencing, one tested positive for JN.1, while the other two were identified as Omicron cases.

According to Bharadwaj, JN.1 is a mild infection, particularly prevalent in South India. He urged the public not to panic, assuring that it causes only mild sickness. As of December 26, India has recorded a total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases, with Gujarat reporting 36, Karnataka 34, Goa 14, Maharashtra 9, Kerala 6, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu 4 each, and Telangana 2.

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Addressing concerns over the new variant, Dr. Bobby Bhalotra from Gangaram Hospital stated that the new variants, including JN.1, are relatively mild and belong to the Omicron virus family. While there is no need for panic, it indicates a resurgence of the virus.

All the states have been asked to stay alert and take all possible precautions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and hospitals have been advised to be prepared and make necessary arrangements.

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"It may flourish because it is more infectious than the normal COVID virus so we have to start taking precautions. Precaution and prevention are better than cures. Take precautions so that doesn't spread for them." The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the global health body emphasised that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence,” he said.