Early onset of rain leads to rise in viral hepatitis and typhoid cases reported in Pune city
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Pune: The early onset of rain this year in the city has led to a spike in the number of viral hepatitis and typhoid cases in May, which is not usually a monsoon month.
Officials said there has been a reported rise in waterborne infections both in the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations' limits.
As per the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the city saw 14 viral hepatitis cases and 29 typhoid or enteric fever cases in May 2025 alone, which in the corresponding period in 2024 stood at six viral hepatitis cases and 16 typhoid cases.
PMC chief health officer Dr Nina Borade said, "The early onset of monsoon is bound to bring in more vector-borne and waterborne infections. The mosquito breeding cycle has changed; changed climate also often affects immunity.
However, this spike is not high. Also, PMC's water purification cycle is in place and effective. We recently tested our water samples, and they were found to be safe to drink."
Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) limits are also recording a slight rise in waterborne infections. PCMC chief medical officer Laxman Gophane said there has been a noticeable increase in typhoid and hepatitis cases in May this year compared to the same period last year — but he emphasized that the data is still being analysed in the context of past trends before concluding if it constitutes a significant surge.
"In May 2024, we recorded 58 typhoid cases, which have risen to 78 this year. Similarly, hepatitis cases have slightly increased from 13 last year to 15 this May," Gophane said. He added that health officials are closely monitoring the situation through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) portal and immediately alert the teams concerned if any sharp rise is observed.
"At present, the situation is under control, and civic hospitals are fully equipped to manage such cases," he said.
Doctors said there has been a reported rise in private hospitals as well. Dr Mukesh Budhwani, general physician and diabetologist, Apollo Clinic, Vimannagar, said, "Early monsoon causes sharp spike in viral hepatitis and typhoid cases in Pune city. We have witnessed several patients at the clinic reporting monsoon-related health issues. In the past two weeks alone, we have witnessed more than 50-60 patients of viral fever, infection, cough and cold, or serious illnesses like typhoid, gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and stomach infections.
This is a 20% rise in the number of cases that we usually observe around this time."
He added, "We recommend taking precautions like drinking purified water, using mosquito repellents, and maintaining good hygiene to prevent waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases. Boost immunity with vitamin C, probiotics, and antioxidants. Stay hydrated and active and stick to home-cooked meals to minimize health risks in the monsoon."
Dr Pramod Katre, gastroenterologist at Noble Hospital, said, "The onset of monsoon brings along waterborne diseases like hepatitis (A and E), typhoid and jaundice. This is because of contaminated water. Hepatitis is seen more in smaller children than adults due to contaminated water and food. In most, it is self-limiting and requires a medication course of one or two weeks. In some cases, it can get serious and affect the liver.
The common symptoms are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and jaundice. It is important to consult a doctor if symptoms are seen as early detection can help in timely treatment and avoid complications later. There are vaccines available for hepatitis A and typhoid, which can be beneficial for children and adults."
Doctors also recommended some simple precautionary steps during early stages and for the monsoon season — carry your own water bottle, boil water, ensure hand hygiene before eating and avoid outside food.
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