A lack of caution and vigilance reportedly claimed 66 lives with COVID-19 symptoms last year in Kerala. As per the data released by the central government, the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the country was reported in the state in 2024. Meanwhile, health experts warn that Covid 19 could get severe in the elderly and critically ill patients and that the public shouldn’t let down their guard. In 2023, 516 Covid related deaths were reported in Kerala. 5597 Covid cases were reported here last year, despite the number of tests dipping severely. The fact that Kerala has a greater number of elderly population as well as patients with diabetes and kidney-related diseases makes the state vulnerable to Covid 19 and high death rates. Karnataka comes second with 39 deaths and Maharashtra third, with 35 deaths.

COVID still a threat
While the country is currently observing how the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is progressing in various states, the World Health Organisation recently said that COVID continues to be a threat. As per the latest data, India reported around 908 new COVID-19 cases in the past two months. Globally, there is a 30% increase in new cases and a 26% increase in deaths. JN 1, the most commonly reported virus variant, has been detected in around 135 countries in recent times. Various other sub-variants like KP 3.1.1 and LB.1 are also spreading.  

ADVERTISEMENT
The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.