In Karnataka covid death rate among men is 2.1 times more than that of women

News Network
December 13, 2020

 

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Bengaluru, Dec 13: The death rate among men with Covid-19 is nearly 2.1 times that of women, an assessment by state health authorities has found. 

The finding tallies with an international study that finds that men hit with Covid-19 are not only more prone to going into ICU but that most of the deaths that have happened in ICUs are of men. 

Dr Thrilok Chandra, head of the Critical Care Support Unit (CCSU), said the finding has been made as the result of an ongoing assessment of deaths.

"Within the limits of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) alone, 3,25,999 men were infected with Covid-19 as opposed to 1,40,993 women up to December 9. Out of this, 2,876 who died were men. This is 2.1 times the number of women who died (1,334)," he said.

Dr Chandra said the numbers corroborate an international study which has found that males are more prone to developing serious complications due to the disease.

The study, which was published in Nature Communications, by researchers primarily in the United Kingdom, found that while there was no difference in the proportion of males and females infected with Covid-19, male patients have almost three times the odds of requiring ICU care, while facing higher odds of death compared to females.

In Karnataka, the official data shows that out of 11,880 people who died of the disease up to December 8, 40 were children, out of which 24 were males. Among adults, the gap increased significantly. Another 557 people had either died at home or had been brought dead. Out of the remaining 11,283 people who had succumbed to the disease in hospitals, 7,843 were males aged 19 and above while 3,440 were females.

"In Karnataka, most Covid-19 deaths are ICU deaths," Dr Chandra clarified.

The findings have important implications for clinical management and mitigation strategies for Covid-19.

Why women fare better

Dr Anoop Amarnath, also of the CCSU and Head of Clinical Research and Scientific Review Board at Manipal Hospitals, said fundamental differences in the immune response between males and females could be responsible for why women are largely spared the lethal effects of Covid-19.

"For example, the estradiol hormone which is found in women plays a role in curtailing cytokine storms. In contrast, the male testosterone hormone suppresses the immune system," Dr Amarnath said.

The study also points to the fact that females have a higher number of CD4+ T-cells, which are crucial in achieving a regulated effective immune response to pathogens. Women also have more robust CD8+ T-cells cytotoxic activity which can destroy tumour cells, plus increased B cell production of antibodies compared to males.

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News Network
January 6,2025

Bengaluru: An eight-month old baby has been detected with the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in a Bengaluru hospital on Monday, with reports going viral online. This is likely the first reported case of HMPV in the country after the recent spike in China.

The baby is reportedly undergoing treatment in a private hospital in northern Bengaluru.

The Karnataka state health department has maintained that there is no cause for concern.

"We don't know what strain of virus is spreading in China. Without knowing that, we cannot say that this reported case is concerning. We have been reviewing all influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) from December to check for any strain that is concerning. There is no such concerning spike across the state or country," said a well-placed source in the state health department.

The HMPV is a known virus (first discovered in 2001) that causes respiratory symptoms similar to that of a common cold, largely affecting children below the age of five. It is not a new virus.

Cases have been reported in the past, especially in the winter season, note experts and health department officials, making it not an immediate concern, unless an unusual spike is observed.

In December 2024, 714 suspected cases of HMPV were tested in 16 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) across the country, of which only nine were confirmed positive.

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News Network
January 8,2025

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Mangaluru: The Tannirbhavi beach stretch up to the forest department's Tree Park is on the brink of a remarkable transformation under the ‘One Beach, One Destination’ initiative. This ambitious project aims to elevate the beach into a top-tier tourist hotspot through comprehensive upgrades and strategic developments.

Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP shared updates during a press briefing on Tuesday, revealing that fresh tenders have been floated for maintaining the main beach. The technical evaluation of tenders for the Tannir Bhavi Blue Flag Beach is nearing completion, with the financial bids set to open shortly. “We are pleased to see major players participating in the tender process,” the DC remarked.

For the main beach, the maintenance contract will span 10 years. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag Beach’s successful bidder will face a progressive financial model—starting with a Rs 50 lakh payment in the first year, escalating to Rs 2 crore by the 10th year, alongside a minimum 5% revenue share for the administration. “Upon completion of the development, the beach will feature continuous activities to enhance its appeal,” he added.

Approximately 90% of the beach’s development work is already complete. Eco-friendly initiatives such as waste management systems and solar installations are operational at the Blue Flag Beach. While entrance work by Mangaluru Smart City Limited is ongoing, the beach remains accessible to the public. Entry fees, set in accordance with Blue Flag guidelines, aim to support sustainable maintenance efforts.

The ‘Blue Flag’ certification represents a global standard in eco-tourism, ensuring clean bathing water, state-of-the-art amenities, safety measures, and sustainable development. Karnataka’s Padubidri and Kasarkod beaches are among the few in India to hold this prestigious certification.

Mangaluru Smart City Limited is spearheading the development of the 1.8-acre area, with an investment of approximately Rs 16 crore. Once completed, the Tannirbhavi Beach is expected to stand out as a vibrant and eco-friendly destination, drawing tourists and locals alike.

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News Network
January 14,2025

Udupi: Karnataka Kreedakoota-2025, a sports event organised by the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, Karnataka Olympic Association, and the District Administration, will be held in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts from January 17 to January 23.

The event will feature 1,373 athletes participating in a variety of sports, including kayaking, canoeing, archery, cycling, wrestling, boxing, hockey, lawn tennis, table tennis, Kabaddi, Judo, and athletics.

Deputy Commissioner Vidya Kumari K addressed a press conference on Monday, providing details about the events in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada.

According to her, while volleyball, basketball, and swimming competitions will take place in Dakshina Kannada, events like kayaking and canoeing will be held in Brahmavara’s Swarna River, and archery will take place at the MJC Ground in Manipal.

Marena Sports Complex in Manipal will host lawn tennis and table tennis matches, she added.

The opening ceremony will take place on January 17 in Mangaluru and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be inaugurating the event.

The closing ceremony will be held in Udupi on January 23, with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and Home Minister G Parameshwar attending.

The district administration, in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, has made provisions for accommodation and food for the participants, said the DC.

She also said the synthetic track at the Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Ajjarakad is undergoing repair work after its 10-year durability period ended in 2023, to provide athletes better infrastructure.

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