Maharashtra records slight increase in COVID-19 deaths this year

Maharashtra has recorded a marginal increase in deaths linked to COVID-19 complications this year, even as the number of reported infections fell sharply, Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said on Friday.

In a written reply to a question by NCP legislator Sachin Patil, Abitkar said that 46 people died of COVID-19 between January and October 2025, compared to 35 deaths during the same period in 2024. The rise in fatalities comes despite a significant drop in infections, with 2,781 cases reported this year versus 5,524 in the previous year.

The minister noted that while infections have reduced, the increase in deaths could be linked to underlying health conditions among patients and delayed hospitalisation in some cases. He emphasised that vaccination and early treatment remain key measures to prevent severe complications.

Abitkar also highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to combat malaria . Between January and October 2025, nearly 2 crore blood samples were tested, up from over 1.84 crore in the same period last year. Maharashtra aims to bring malaria cases to zero by 2027 and achieve complete eradication by 2030 . Except for Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, and Gadchiroli districts, the state’s malaria annual parasite incidence remains below one, indicating significant progress in controlling the disease.

The minister urged citizens to continue following preventive health measures , including vaccination drives, regular testing, and timely medical consultation, to safeguard against both COVID-19 and malaria.