Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Feb 24: In a significant relief for residents of the City of Joy, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has recorded a sharp decline in vector-borne diseases, with dengue cases dropping by around 91 per cent and malaria cases by 40 per cent in 2025 compared to 2023.

According to budget data accessed from the civic body, KMC had registered 12,334 dengue cases between January 1 and November 2, 2023. The year was described by officials as “atypical”, as the city witnessed an exceptionally high burden of dengue, with total cases touching 13,926 by the end of the season.

In response, the vector control wing of the corporation intensified surveillance, source reduction drives and allied vector-management activities from early 2024. These measures led to a steep fall in cases, with 1,316 dengue infections reported between January 1 and November 2, 2024 — a decline of 90.5 per cent compared to 2023. However, experts have maintained that 2024 should not be treated as a baseline year due to the abnormal spike in the preceding year.

The improvement continued in 2025. Between January 1 and November 2, 2025, the city recorded 1,106 dengue cases within KMC limits — marking an overall reduction of nearly 91 per cent compared to 2023 figures.

Civic officials attributed the sustained decline to early intervention strategies, strengthened field surveillance and community participation in eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

The 40 per cent reduction in malaria cases during the same comparative period further indicates improved vector-control measures, bringing much-needed respite to Kolkata residents after the severe outbreak witnessed two years ago.