Bengaluru witnessed the death of an 84-year-old man with severe comorbidities who also tested positive for COVID-19. The news comes amidst a slight increase in COVID-19 cases in Karnataka and neighboring states, prompting health officials to emphasize vigilance while assuring the public that there is no cause for panic.
The man was admitted to a private hospital in Whitefield, Bengaluru, on May 13th, suffering from serious health complications. He passed away on May 17th. His COVID-19 test, which was conducted during his hospitalization, came back positive on May 24th. Health officials clarified that the primary cause of death was septic shock and multi-organ dysfunction, exacerbated by pneumonia in both lungs and multiple pre-existing health issues. According to officials, COVID-19 was present, but it was not the main cause of death. The man had no recent travel history.
Karnataka has reported 38 active COVID-19 cases, with 32 of those in Bengaluru. The remaining cases are distributed across Bengaluru Rural, Dakshina Kannada, Vijayanagara, Ballari, and Mysuru. Authorities have conducted 108 Covid-19 tests thus far.
State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has urged the public to remain calm and carry on with their daily routines. He has also asked the media to avoid exaggerating the severity of the situation, reminding everyone that the government is prepared and has implemented all necessary precautions to control the virus's spread. There are currently no COVID-19 related restrictions in place, and people are free to move around the country. The minister noted the possibility of a new sub-variant of the coronavirus, similar to those detected in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, but emphasized that those countries are not experiencing panic.
In Maharashtra, Thane district also reported a COVID-19-related death, marking the first fatality linked to the virus in the district in recent weeks. The deceased was a 21-year-old man suffering from severe diabetes.
Health officials in both Karnataka and Maharashtra are advising residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, to take necessary precautions. These include wearing masks in crowded areas, frequent hand washing, and seeking prompt medical attention if experiencing flu-like symptoms. Hospitals have been instructed to remain alert for potential increases in hospitalizations due to COVID-related complications. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent a broader resurgence of the virus.
