By Mewati Sitaram
Mumbai is witnessing a concerning rise in monsoon-related illnesses, with malaria and gastroenteritis cases surging significantly since the onset of rains. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) epidemic cell, malaria cases between January and June 2025 have increased by 39% compared to the same period last year. The month of June alone has recorded an unusually high number of cases, marking a sharp upward trend.
As per PTI data, it further confirms an overall increase in vector-borne and waterborne diseases, including dengue and chikungunya, as compared to 2024. City hospitals and clinics are reporting a steady flow of patients, many presenting with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills, and body aches — all classic indicators of gastroenteritis and malaria.
Medical officers report an average of 30 new malaria and gastro cases being recorded daily. The early arrival of monsoon has created stagnant water pools, ideal for mosquito breeding. This has prompted the BMC to intensify fogging operations, deploy more health workers to conduct door-to-door checks, and increase testing, particularly at high-risk locations such as construction sites.
Experts are urging citizens to remain cautious and adopt preventive measures. Dr. Prakash Gawande, a municipal health officer, advised residents to avoid consuming street food, drink boiled or filtered water, use mosquito repellents, and eliminate stagnant water from homes and surroundings.
“Timely action and public cooperation are essential to prevent a full-blown outbreak,” a BMC spokesperson said. Authorities are also urging people to seek prompt medical help in case of symptoms, and not to self-medicate or ignore early signs.
The civic body has assured that all departments are on high alert and surveillance is being stepped up to contain the situation before it worsens.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
