9 hours ago
BMC ramps up preventive measures: Early arrival of monsoon triggers uptick in seasonal diseases in Mumbai
By Mihika Layak
The early arrival of the monsoon in Mumbai has led to a noticeable surge in seasonal diseases. According to the latest data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), several vector and water-borne diseases have shown a marked increase in 2025, prompting intensified surveillance and preventive measures across the city.
Between January and mid-June this year, cases of malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and gastroenteritis have seen an uptick compared to the same period in 2024.
Malaria cases rose from 1,612 to 1,973, while chikungunya spiked from just 21 cases last year to 115 this year. Gastroenteritis numbers climbed slightly from 3,478 to 3,577, and Hepatitis cases jumped from 248 to 359.
Although Leptospirosis numbers declined, the overall rise in seasonal diseases has set off alarm bells, especially with the city only just entering peak monsoon season.
In the first two weeks of June alone, over 390 Gastroenteritis cases and 341 Malaria cases were reported.
Although dengue figures dropped slightly this month, the breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes — clean, stagnant water during intermittent rains — remain a significant concern.
The city also recorded a resurgence in Covid-19 cases. As many as 366 new infections were reported in the first half of June alone, up from 93 in the same period last year.
The surge in monsoon-related illnesses has prompted public health authorities to intensify surveillance and preventive measures across the city.
The BMC has surveyed over 3.7 lakh homes and 17 lakh residents for fever, with over 66,000 blood samples collected.
More than 36,000 people have been given prophylactic treatment for leptospirosis. Vector control teams have fogged over 25,000 buildings and over 3.8 lakh huts, and removed over 37,000 breeding grounds, including stagnant water from tyres and containers. Extensive rat control activity has also been carried out.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures to prevent seasonal diseases including the elimination of stagnant water in and around their homes, maintaining proper sanitation, and avoiding consumption of uncovered or street food.
The use of mosquito repellents, wearing full-sleeved clothing, and storing drinking water safely are being strongly recommended in order to prevent vector-borne diseases. The civic body has ramped up public awareness by holding health camps in the city.
