Karnataka reported its second COVID-19 death in less than two weeks, after a 70-year-old man from Benakanahalli village in Belagavi succumbed late Wednesday night. He was under treatment for multiple comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease.

According to the state health department, the patient had suffered seizures and unconsciousness on May 26. Admitted first to a private hospital, he was diagnosed with focal seizures, encephalopathy, severe anaemia, and thrombocytopenia. His oxygen saturation was just 88%, prompting COVID-19 testing — which came back positive.

Despite medical advice, the family shifted him to Belagavi Medical College and Hospital on May 28. He was treated as per COVID-19 protocol under the Department of Respiratory Medicine, but his condition worsened and he died later that day due to acute cardiorespiratory arrest with neurological complications.

This fatality follows the May 17 death of an 84-year-old in Bengaluru, whose COVID-19 status was confirmed after his demise.

As of May 29, Karnataka has 148 active COVID cases, with 42 new cases reported on the day from 513 tests. The positivity rate was 8.18%, and the fatality rate stood at 2.3%.

Health officials have reiterated the need for heightened caution, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing illnesses, as sporadic outbreaks continue across the state.