Mumbai Dengue Cases Rise 27.8%

Mumbai has seen a significant increase in dengue cases, with a 27.8% rise in the first six-and-a-half months of 2026. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito breeding.

As of mid-July, 938 cases of dengue have been reported in the city. The BMC has advised residents to prevent water stagnation in and around their homes to curb mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of dengue and malaria.

Dengue symptoms usually appear 4-10 days after the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, skin rash, and extreme weakness and fatigue.

Warning signs of severe dengue include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, and excessive drowsiness or restlessness. Residents are advised to seek immediate medical care if they experience any of these symptoms.

To prevent dengue, residents are advised to prevent mosquito bites by using mosquito repellents, wearing full-sleeved clothes, and using mosquito nets or window screens. They should also not allow water to stagnate in coolers, buckets, flower pots, tyres, or other containers, as these are breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes.

Dr Honey Savla, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, advises against self-medicating with painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Instead, residents should drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest if they have a fever.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management mainly involves adequate hydration, sufficient rest, regular monitoring, and taking paracetamol for fever as advised by a doctor. Most patients recover with supportive care, but those with warning signs may require hospitalisation, intravenous fluids, and close monitoring to prevent serious complications.

The rise in dengue cases is a concern for the city, and residents are advised to take precautions to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of dengue and malaria. By taking simple steps, residents can help prevent the spread of the disease and keep themselves and their families safe.

The BMC has intensified its monsoon disease control efforts, and residents are advised to cooperate with the authorities to prevent the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

In conclusion, the rise in dengue cases in Mumbai is a concern, and residents must take precautions to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of dengue and malaria. By working together, we can help prevent the spread of the disease and keep our city safe.