COVID-19 Cases in Maharashtra See Modest Rise: Mumbai Reports 27 New Infections

Mumbai, May 30 — Maharashtra on Thursday reported 76 new COVID-19 cases, with Mumbai contributing 27 of these, followed by 21 from Pune, according to the latest update from the state public health department. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases reported in the state since January 1 to 597, with 9,592 tests conducted statewide.

Health officials emphasized that the recent uptick in cases is consistent with seasonal trends in respiratory illnesses that typically rise during the monsoon season. "Most of the infections are either mild or asymptomatic," the department said in a statement, attributing the generally mild nature of the cases to widespread vaccination and natural immunity.

Besides Mumbai and Pune, cases were also reported in Thane (12), Kalyan Municipal Corporation (8), Navi Mumbai (4), Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (1), Ahilyanagar Municipal Corporation (1), and Raigad district (2).

So far, Mumbai has recorded 379 COVID-19 cases this year, making it the city with the highest number of infections in the state.

The health ministry has increased surveillance and testing, particularly in urban areas, in response to a rise in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). Clinicians are focusing on distinguishing between COVID-19 and other viral infections, given the overlapping symptoms during the monsoon season.

“Both flu and COVID-19 can present with fever, sore throat, cough, cold, headache, body pain, and fatigue,” said Dr. Dhiraj Bhattad, a consultant in internal medicine at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. “However, the loss of taste and smell remains a distinct indicator of COVID-19.”

Interestingly, health experts note that flu cases currently show more severe symptoms than COVID-19, likely due to existing immunity against the coronavirus in the population thanks to vaccination efforts.

Authorities continue to urge residents to remain calm, follow basic hygiene measures, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. While there is no cause for alarm, officials stress the importance of vigilance and responsible behavior during this transitional weather period.