Mumbai Reports First COVID Fatality of 2024 – New Variant Circulates as Maharashtra Records 154 Cases and 2 Deaths
Mumbai, 7th January 2024: Mumbai recorded its first COVID-19 fatality of the year as a 52-year-old man, who had tested positive in December 2023, succumbed on January 5. This marks the city’s first death since August 9, 2023, raising concerns about the evolving situation. Simultaneously, Maharashtra reported 154 new COVID cases, with 21 originating from Mumbai, and two fatalities, one in Mumbai and the second in Nagpur.
The deceased, a resident of the M-West ward, was admitted to a public hospital one day before his demise. The 52-year-old, a chronic alcoholic, exhibited symptoms of fever, cough, and breathlessness for five days before hospitalization. Medical professionals attribute the cause of death to a left respiratory tract infection coupled with septic shock. The swift deterioration of the patient’s health resulted in his demise within 24 hours of admission.
As of the latest update, Maharashtra’s COVID-19 recovery rate stands at an impressive 98.17%, accompanied by a positivity rate of 1.11% and a case fatality rate of 1.81%. The state currently harbours 139 patients infected with the JN.1 variant.
Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, head of BJ Medical College’s microbiology department and a state task force member, affirmed the presence of the new JN.1 variant. Global studies indicate its mild nature with a lower death rate but heightened transmissibility. Dr Karyakarte suggested that the recent surge in cases could be attributed to the New Year celebration, emphasizing a lack of COVID-appropriate behaviour during the festivities.
