Maharashtra COVID-19 Alert: Active Cases Cross 500; State Reports 3 New Deaths Amid Nationwide Surge

Mumbai | June 5, 2025 : As COVID-19 cases continue to rise steadily across India, Maharashtra has crossed the 500-mark in active cases, recording 526 active infections as of June 5. The state also reported three new fatalities, taking the death toll to 17, raising concerns among public health officials and prompting renewed preventive measures.

According to updated data released by the state health department, the Maharashtra government has directed all healthcare institutions to test 5% of patients with Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). This testing mandate applies to municipal corporations, zilla parishads, and district administrations, with the aim of early detection and containment.

Health experts state that while the circulating Omicron subvariants, such as LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1, are generally causing mild symptoms, the elderly and immunocompromised remain at high risk. Among the recent fatalities in Maharashtra were a 76-year-old man with multiple comorbidities, a 79-year-old woman with multi-organ dysfunction, and another 76-year-old man with viral pneumonia and cancer history.

Across the country, India reported 4,866 active cases, with 564 new cases and 7 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. The latest deaths include three in Maharashtra, two in Delhi, two in Karnataka, and tragically, one five-month-old child. The rise in cases follows a nationwide spike from just 257 active cases on May 22 to nearly 5,000 cases now.

Kerala continues to be the worst-affected state, reporting 1,487 active cases, followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal. The Union Health Ministry has advised states to assess hospital readiness, stock critical medical supplies, and intensify surveillance of ILI/SARI cases.

The Maharashtra government is urging citizens—particularly vulnerable groups—to practice hand hygiene, wear masks in crowded places, and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen.

“While the symptoms may be mild for many, comorbidities and advanced age continue to pose serious risks,” a senior health official said. “We’re taking a proactive approach to ensure containment and early response.”

In response to the surge, authorities are emphasizing the need for community cooperation, regular testing in clinical settings, and continued public health awareness. With monsoon season approaching, healthcare experts also warn of a possible overlap with other viral infections, which may complicate diagnosis and treatment.