Mumbai Sees 28% Rise In Dengue Cases

Mumbai has witnessed a significant rise in mosquito- and water-borne diseases during the first six-and-a-half months of 2026. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Public Health Department's monsoon disease surveillance report, dengue cases have increased by 27.8% and malaria by 18.2% compared to the same period last year.

From January 1 to July 14, 2026, the city recorded 3,681 malaria cases, up from 3,115 during the corresponding period in 2025, while dengue cases rose from 734 to 938. Leptospirosis cases also increased by 15.4%, rising from 136 to 157, largely due to prolonged heavy rainfall and waterlogging across several parts of the city.

In contrast, chikungunya cases declined sharply by 82.7%, dropping from 179 to 31, while gastroenteritis cases fell by 20%, from 4,831 to 3,866. COVID-19 infections dropped by over 93%, from 1,049 to 71, although H1N1 influenza cases nearly tripled, increasing from 42 to 113.

The BMC has intensified surveillance and vector-control measures to curb the spread of monsoon-related diseases. Between June 1 and July 14, civic teams surveyed 10.69 lakh houses, covering 36.81 lakh residents, collected 1,00,472 blood samples, conducted 96 health camps, and provided leptospirosis prophylactic medicines to 90,728 people.

The civic body also inspected 3,000 construction sites, screened 54,763 workers for malaria, and detected 37 positive cases, all of whom were treated. Anti-mosquito operations included the inspection of 49,599 breeding sources, identification of 5,341 Anopheles and 22,041 Aedes breeding spots, removal of 66,595 discarded tyres and scrap items, and fogging of 51,937 buildings and 7.94 lakh slum structures.

The BMC has advised residents to prevent water stagnation in and around their homes to curb mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Residents are also advised to avoid storing old tyres, plastic containers, and other items that can collect rainwater, use mosquito nets or repellents, and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest BMC-run Aapla Dawakhana or municipal hospital if fever develops.

To prevent leptospirosis, residents are advised to avoid walking through stagnant rainwater or barefoot during heavy rains, wear gumboots whenever possible, and seek preventive treatment after exposure to contaminated water.

The rise in mosquito- and water-borne diseases in Mumbai is a cause for concern, and the BMC's intensified control measures are a step in the right direction. However, it is also important for residents to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of these diseases.

The monsoon season in Mumbai is known for its heavy rainfall and waterlogging, which creates an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. The BMC's efforts to inspect construction sites, screen workers for malaria, and conduct anti-mosquito operations are crucial in preventing the spread of these diseases.

In conclusion, the surge in dengue and malaria cases in Mumbai is a significant public health concern, and the BMC's intensified control measures are necessary to prevent the spread of these diseases. Residents must also take preventive measures to reduce the risk of these diseases and seek medical attention immediately if they develop any symptoms.

The situation highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between the civic authorities and residents to prevent the spread of monsoon-related diseases in Mumbai.