Mumbai: Even as Maharashtra continues to witness a steady decline in COVID-19 cases, health data shows that diabetic patients remain among the most vulnerable to complications and fatalities related to the virus.

According to the Public Health Department, of the 38 COVID-19 deaths reported in the state since January this year, over 40% of patients were diabetic. Specifically, 14 of the deceased were diabetic, while 13 others were suffering from hypertension. Many patients had both conditions, along with other comorbidities such as heart disease.

Despite this, health authorities maintain that the overall COVID-19 situation in the state is under control, with most new patients experiencing only mild symptoms.

In the past six months, Maharashtra has conducted 30,557 COVID-19 tests, of which 2,517 returned positive. So far, 2,389 patients have recovered, pushing the state’s recovery rate to a reassuring 94.91%.

On July 1 alone, the state reported 16 new COVID-19 cases: three each in Mumbai and Nagpur, four in the Pune Municipal Corporation area, four in Chandrapur, and one each in Thane and Panvel municipal limits. The total number of active cases in the state now stands at just 90.

Mumbai has recorded the highest number of cases this year, with 995 infections since January. Case numbers remained negligible during the initial months but rose significantly in May (435 cases) and June (551 cases). So far, three new cases have been reported in Mumbai this month. Health officials have confirmed that all patients are stable with mild symptoms.

To ensure readiness, the Public Health Department has stated that COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities remain fully functional across all government health institutions and medical colleges. Citizens have been urged not to panic but to continue following basic precautions.

In a recent review meeting, officials at divisional, district, and municipal corporation levels were directed to strengthen surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). Currently, 5% of ILI patients and all SARI patients are being tested for COVID-19, and positive samples are sent for Whole Genome Sequencing to monitor potential mutations.

Health experts continue to emphasise that people with diabetes, hypertension, and other underlying health conditions should take extra precautions to protect themselves.