Mumbai recorded its initial COVID-19 death for the year on Saturday, marking a somber development since the surge in cases began in mid-December. The deceased, a 52-year-old man residing in the M-West ward’s jurisdiction, was suffering from chronic alcoholism. Admitted to a public hospital on January 4, he tested positive for COVID-19 the following day. However, BMC health officials revealed that he had been experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, and breathlessness for five days prior to seeking medical attention. State health authorities also confirmed that the deceased was unvaccinated.
Officials determined the cause of death to be a lower respiratory tract infection that had progressed to sepsis, leading to septic shock. Dr. Daksha Shah, the Executive Health Officer at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, explained that chronic alcoholics are considered immunocompromised, placing them at a higher risk of complications and fatality. The deceased had developed pneumonia after contracting the virus.
Simultaneously, another COVID-related death was reported in Maharashtra on the same day, bringing the total death toll in the state since mid-December to seven. All seven individuals had pre-existing comorbidities.
The state has identified 139 cases with the JN.1 variant, known for its high transmissibility. While most cases have exhibited mild symptoms, the variant poses a heightened risk for individuals with severe comorbidities. Presently, Maharashtra has a total of 911 active cases, with 37 individuals seeking hospital care, and 12 in Intensive Care Units.
