Covid-19: 53 dead in Maharashtra since January, mostly the old and ailing

MUMBAI: Covid-19 has caused 53 deaths in the state since January, with 58.5% of the patients having known comorbidities, according to a recent analysis by state authorities. Diabetes and hypertension were the most common underlying conditions found in the patients who passed away. Furthermore, the majority of the deaths occurred among the elderly population.
State authorities said they were conducting regular audits of the deaths and believed the risk factors had remained unchanged through the waves. Of the 53 deaths between January and April 12, 31 had diabetes, hypertension and other serious ailments.

"Our findings highlight the importance of taking appropriate measures to prevent the spread of the virus, especially among those with pre-existing health conditions," said a senior official from the directorate of health services (DHS). The doctor said that in case of any symptoms, individuals should get themselves tested immediately and not wait to seek treatment.
Of the six deaths reported in the city between January and April, five deceased were above the age of 50 years. The only death reported in a younger person was a 36-year-old who had a history of tuberculosis. All the six victims in the city had pre-existing diseases, including kidney injury, hypertension, chronic lung disease, interstitial lung disease, and hypothyroidism, among others. Mumbai corporation has advised senior citizens to start masking up.
City doctors concurred that while a clear rise in cases was evident, those becoming severe were already suffering from multiple other health conditions. They are counted as Covid cases as they incidentally test positive for the virus. Consulting physician Dr Rajas Walinjkar, who is treating Covid patients at SevenHills Hospital, said that classic Covid complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are no longer seen in coronavirus patients.
"A lot of these patients were already suffering from actual metabolic conditions, lung problems, tuberculosis, heart failure and would have required oxygen for recovery," he said.
After Wednesday's spike, Maharashtra recorded a drop of 3% in the daily Covid-19 tally, but the numbers continue to remain over 1,000. The state reported 1,086 cases and a single death from Dhule. Mumbai's daily tally dropped below 300, with no fatalities. The city saw 274 new detections. Active cases in the state stood at 5,700.
In Mumbai, 13 hospitalisations were reported, bringing the total number of patients across various hospitals to 121. A total of 34 patients were on oxygen support in the city.