03/09/2025
🦟Mumbai Battles Malaria Surge as Monsoon Cases Spike
Mumbai faces a sharp rise in mosquito-borne diseases this monsoon, with malaria cases jumping to 5,706 (up from 4,021 last year) and chikungunya more than doubling from 210 to 485 cases between January-August 2025. Dengue also increased from 1,979 to 2,319 cases.
Health officials blame heavy rainfall and festive gatherings for the surge. "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 report more severe complications this year. "Malaria is becoming more severe, affecting kidneys, lungs, and in some cases even the liver," warned Dr Gautam Bhansali of Bombay Hospital, citing poor hygiene, waterlogging, and festival-related contamination as factors making cases more complex.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its 'Zero Mosquito Breeding Campaign', covering over 3,200 housing societies, 264 schools, and 545 buildings. Teams actively check stagnant water and breeding spots citywide.
Public advisories urge citizens to use mosquito nets, clear water stagnation, maintain hygiene, avoid wading through floodwaters, and not walk barefoot during heavy rains to reduce infection risk.