New Delhi, 26 May 2025: Karnataka has reported its first COVID-19 fatality of 2025, triggering fresh concern among public health officials and citizens. The state also recorded 32 new COVID-19 cases in Bengaluru alone, prompting authorities to ramp up testing and surveillance measures across the capital city.
According to the Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department, the deceased patient was a 65-year-old male from Bengaluru’s Rajajinagar area who had multiple comorbidities including diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The man had reportedly developed COVID-like symptoms—high fever, breathlessness, and persistent cough—four days ago and was admitted to Victoria Hospital. Despite intensive care and antiviral medication, he succumbed to complications late last night.
Health Officials on Alert
Dr. T. Rajendra, Karnataka’s Director of Public Health, confirmed the death and said contact tracing and containment protocols have already begun. “We are identifying all close contacts of the deceased. His family members have been placed under home quarantine and are being tested,” Dr. Rajendra said.
The spike in new cases, especially in densely populated areas like Yelahanka, Jayanagar, and Indiranagar, has pushed the state government to take swift action. A senior BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) official said, “Mobile testing vans and fever clinics are being activated again in areas reporting clusters.”
What We Know About the 32 New Cases
Health authorities have stated that the 32 new COVID-19 infections in Bengaluru include:
- 11 individuals with recent domestic travel history from Delhi and Maharashtra
- 7 cases linked to a private event in Indiranagar held earlier this week
- 8 individuals tested during routine fever surveillance
- 6 cases with unknown sources, currently under investigation
All patients are reportedly in stable condition and are being treated in home isolation or in designated COVID-care centers.
Genome Sequencing Underway
Officials from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) are examining samples from the deceased and a few of the new cases to check for possible mutations or new subvariants. Preliminary reports suggest that the virus strain may be a descendant of the Omicron XBB lineage, though further sequencing results are awaited.
“We are not dealing with a totally new variant at this point. But the current strain seems to spread faster and causes more upper respiratory symptoms, similar to previous Omicron waves,” explained Dr. Leela Mahadev, a virologist at NIMHANS.
Testing and Public Advisories
In response to the uptick, the Karnataka Health Department has scaled up COVID-19 testing in high-density neighborhoods, airports, and transport hubs. BBMP is also considering reintroducing thermal screening and masking advisories in hospitals, metro stations, and schools.
Citizens with symptoms such as sore throat, cough, cold, or fever are being urged to get tested immediately. Walk-in testing booths and mobile vans are being deployed across Bengaluru, especially in hotspots like KR Market, Majestic, and Electronics City.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, in a public statement, said, “There is no need to panic. We are taking all necessary steps to contain this minor surge. But we do urge citizens, especially the elderly and immunocompromised, to be cautious, wear masks in crowded places, and consider getting the updated booster shot.”
Vaccination Drive to Resume
The Karnataka government has also directed health centers to resume the COVID-19 booster vaccination campaign, particularly targeting senior citizens, healthcare workers, and people with underlying health issues. Free vaccines are being made available at government hospitals and primary health centers across the state.
Though the situation is being closely monitored, public health officials stress the importance of vigilance without panic. The fatality, the first this year, is a stark reminder that COVID-19 continues to evolve and linger. Citizens are encouraged to follow public health guidelines, get tested if symptomatic, and take preventive measures to ensure the virus does not gain a strong foothold again.
