Two COVID-19-Positive Patients Die at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital; BMC Cites Comorbidities
Summary: Two patients died in Mumbai's KEM Hospital. The BMC confirmed COVID-19 positivity after death, although the deaths were caused by pre-existing conditions.
Two patients, including a minor, who were admitted to Mumbai's KEM Hospital, died and later tested positive with COVID-19. Officials have since clarified that their deaths were caused by pre-existing health issues rather than the virus. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has asked locals not to panic, stressing that the virus is still under control.
The first case was from the Sindhudurg district of a 14-year-old girl, who was already dealing with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disorder. She succumbed to kidney failure while under treatment. The second fatality was a 59-year-old woman from Dombivli undergoing treatment for cancer, who died due to sepsis. Both were tested for COVID-19 after their deaths, with the results coming back positive.
Doctors at KEM Hospital stated that the virus was not the primary cause of death in either case. Instead, they attributed the deaths to the individuals' serious underlying medical issues. None of the individuals were Mumbai residents, but had been referred there for advanced care.
The BMC reported a minor increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the city in May, but highlighted that the situation is not alarming. Officials noted that COVID-19 has entered an endemic phase, with sporadic and mainly minor cases reported.
Local hospitals, like Seven Hills and Kasturba, have set up specific COVID-19 beds and isolation units in response to the outbreak. While the caseloads are manageable, authorities are willing to increase facilities if needed.
Health experts at BMC are keeping a close eye on the problem and arguing that public awareness and medical infrastructure are adequate to handle any developments. The public is urged to maintain composure and awareness.