By Deepak Prasad Gautam, Birgunj, May 6: With the identification of 17 more COVID-19 cases today, the number of COVID-19 patients in Parsa district has reached 24.

Out of 24 patients, 18 are of the same family. 17 people identified with COVID-19 on Wednesday and a 36-year old COVID-19 patient confirmed on May 3 belong to the same family.

Dr Madan Upadhyaya, medical superintendent of Narayani Hospital said, "After a male got identified with COVID-19 on May 3, we conducted PCR test on his family members where 17 persons tested positive for the virus."

Out of 17 COVID-19 cases confirmed today, 10 are males and seven are females. Also, nine persons belong to age group of 2 months to 14-year old and eight belong to age group of 22 to 69 years old.

After the 36-year old male of Birgunj Metropolitan City-3, Chapkaiya was confirmed with the novel coronavirus infection on May 3, the local administration had sealed his entire house, where other 17 family members were residing.

Also, PCR test of 70 people who had come in contact with the patient was done at National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) where, 17 of the same family tested positive for the virus.

Although three COVID-19 patients were sent home after recovery, they were again admitted in Narayani Hospital after testing positive for the virus in a follow-up PCR test.

Niraj Kumar Singh, a doctor in Narayani Hospital, said that all 17 COVID-19 patients were being brought to the hospital.

"The 36-year old COVID-19 patient had been hiding his travel history, alleging the PCR report to be faulty," said Dr. Upadhyaya. "He had also claimed that the all-party relief distribution committee had provided relief to his family."

We had collected swab samples of relief distributors and sent it for PCR test on Monday, he added.

Lalit Basnet, Chief District Officer of Parsa district said that discussions were underway regarding further action in the area to control the spread of the COVID-19.