Since the beginning of 2024, Maharashtra has confirmed two Covid-19 fatalities, both involving patients with pre-existing medical conditions, according to an official update from the state health department.
The late-night report issued on Tuesday confirmed that both individuals were from Mumbai. One suffered from nephrotic syndrome complicated by a hypocalcemia seizure, while the other was battling cancer.
Health authorities have reported that, starting from January, 6,066 swab samples were examined for the virus, and 106 came back positive. Out of the positive cases, 101 were found in Mumbai and the rest in Pune, Thane, and Kolhapur. Currently, 52 people are being treated for minor symptoms, and 16 patients are admitted.
A surge in Covid-19 cases is not only being witnessed in Maharashtra, but also in other states and even in other countries," the department noted in its statement.
The department focused on sustained surveillance of efforts, especially through ILI (Influenza-like Illness) and SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) surveys. They also conduct testing of patients with pertinent symptoms for Covid-19. Though the cases remain rare, the health department assured the general public that the individuals found positive are being appropriately treated.
"Covid is a disease caused by a virus.". Now, the Covid ILI (Influenza-like Illness) and SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) survey is being conducted in Maharashtra. In that survey, patients like these are being tested for Covid. Covid patients are being treated on a regular basis after becoming positive, Covid cases are now uncommon in the state. Covid patients are being found with mild symptoms. Covid testing and treatment centers are provided by the health department. Thus, the people are asked not to panic," the statement added.
The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also spewed similar words of wisdom in a public statement put out on Monday. "Covid-19 has become an endemic and a chronic health issue. Since the virus has become endemic at the community level, cases are sporadic and extremely uncommon these days," the BMC added.
The civic body was aware that areas like Singapore, Hong Kong, and certain areas of East Asia have recorded a significant recent spike in infections. However, BMC gave residents assurance that the number of local cases between January and April was low, with a slight boost in May.
The patient numbers have been extremely low since January to April. Some of the patients have been seen since May; however, the BMC administration is requesting the citizens not to panic about it," it said.
To support potential surges, Mumbai’s civic hospitals are prepared with adequate infrastructure. Seven Hills Hospital currently has 20 MICU beds, 20 pediatric and maternity beds, and 60 general beds. Kasturba Hospital also maintains two ICU beds and a 10-bed special ward, with the flexibility to expand if required.
The BMC also reminded one of the most prevalent Covid-19 symptoms, which are fever, tiredness, body pains, sore throat, dry or mucus cough, headache, and runny nose. Loss of taste and smell are also possible. They cautioned that the severe cases may entail difficulty breathing, and such should be taken as an emergency.
"Common symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, cough (dry or with phlegm), sore and painful throat, fatigue, body ache, and headache. The symptoms could also be runny nose and loss of smell and taste. These could usually resemble those of a common cold and may differ from individual to individual. In serious cases, breathing difficulties is a significant warning sign," said the BMC advisory.
The advisory also implored people with long-term health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, liver disease, or hypertension, older adults, and the immunocompromised to be cautious and consult a doctor if symptoms develop.
Citizens were also advised to use a mask when going out with symptoms, practice social distancing, often wash hands, and take good diet and sleep to build immunity.
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