Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 3: The city has reported a sharp rise in malaria and chikungunya cases this monsoon season, even as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ramps up efforts to contain the spread of vector-borne diseases.
According to the civic body’s health report released on Tuesday, malaria cases have surged to 5,706 between January and August 2025, up from 4,021 during the same period last year. Chikungunya cases more than doubled, rising from 210 to 485, while dengue cases increased from 1,979 to 2,319.
In contrast, leptospirosis cases dipped slightly from 553 to 471, gastroenteritis cases fell from 6,133 to 5,774, and Covid-19 infections dropped from 1,775 to 1,111. Hepatitis cases, however, climbed from 662 to 810.
Health officials attributed the surge in mosquito-borne diseases to heavy rainfall and festive gatherings. “Currently due to festivities and rainfall, there has been a spike in vector-borne diseases, this is common in August,” said a senior BMC officer.
Doctors across the city warned that malaria and dengue cases are presenting with more complications this year. “Malaria is becoming more severe, affecting kidneys, lungs, and in some cases even the liver,” said Dr Gautam Bhansali of Bombay Hospital. He added that though no deaths have been reported so far, cases have turned more complex due to poor hygiene, waterlogging, and festival-related contamination.
To tackle the crisis, the BMC has stepped up its ‘Zero Mosquito Breeding Campaign’, covering over 3,200 housing societies, 264 schools, and 545 buildings. Teams are actively checking stagnant water and potential breeding spots across the city.
The civic body has also issued public advisories urging citizens to use mosquito nets, clear water stagnation, maintain hygiene, and avoid wading through floodwaters. “People have also been urged not to walk barefoot during heavy rains to reduce the risk of infections,” the health report stated.
Officials said cases are expected to decline only after September, once monsoon activity eases.