Maharashtra COVID-19 Update: Rise in Mild Cases, 10 Deaths Among Elderly Diabetics Since Mid-May

Mumbai :Maharashtra has reported a total of 10 COVID-19-related deaths since mid-May, predominantly among elderly patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, stroke, and cancer. The most recent fatalities include two patients from Satara and Kolhapur, while the number of active COVID-19 cases has risen to 483 across the state.

Despite the rise in numbers, medical experts emphasize that the current infections remain mild, even among high-risk individuals. Doctors report a notable shift from earlier waves—hospitalization is rarely required, and lung involvement is minimal in most patients.

Among the heartening recoveries are an 87-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities and a 77-year-old post-stroke patient, both of whom recovered without the need for intensive treatment. Physicians attribute such recoveries to early medical intervention, physical strength, and stable body weight.

“While elderly and diabetic patients remain vulnerable, the current strain is not leading to severe complications,” said a senior physician from a leading Mumbai hospital. Most facilities are seeing either very few or no COVID-19 admissions, with some cases only hospitalized due to patient or family insistence.

In May alone, the state reported 477 new COVID-19 cases, with 68 new infections recorded in a single day from areas including Mumbai (30), Thane, Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, Sangli, and Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Since January, out of 12,011 COVID-19 tests, 873 turned positive, with 359 recoveries and 494 current active cases as per official data.

Due to the emergence of new variants—JN1, XFG, and LF 7.9, the state government has introduced precautionary measures, including mock drills for oxygen and bed readiness across municipal health centers. The Health Department has also recommended PPE stockpiling and mask usage, particularly for individuals with comorbidities and those in high-risk categories.

Joint Guardian Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar reassured citizens: “There is no cause for panic. These are precautionary steps to stay prepared. The state is committed to safeguarding public health while ensuring no disruptions.”

As Maharashtra battles a new but mild wave, health officials stress the importance of vigilance, timely treatment, and community cooperation in maintaining control over the virus's spread.