Mumbai is facing a significant surge in mosquito-borne diseases as erratic rainfall continues to fuel the spread of dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), between July 1 and September 14, a staggering 1,718 dengue cases were reported, alongside 267 cases of chikungunya and 2,622 cases of malaria.
This spike highlights the persistent struggle against vector-borne diseases in the city, exacerbated by favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes due to intermittent rains. The healthcare sector in Mumbai has been battling a consistent rise in dengue cases. Doctors from private hospitals, including Bombay Hospital, have reported an influx of patients with high fever, vomiting, and severe body pain, classic symptoms of dengue and chikungunya. Chikungunya patients, in particular, are suffering from debilitating joint pain, leaving many bedridden for extended periods.
The erratic weather patterns have created a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, with over 11,234 breeding spots identified for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, and 1,488 breeding sites for anopheles mosquitoes, which spread malaria. Despite the concerted efforts of BMC’s insecticide teams, the numbers suggest that mosquito control efforts have been insufficient in curbing the rapid increase in infections. While dengue, chikungunya, and malaria continue to dominate the health landscape, the number of H1N1 influenza, leptospirosis, and gastroenteritis cases has significantly declined in September. The BMC’s health update revealed only 46 cases of H1N1 this month compared to 170 in August. However, vector-borne diseases remain a pressing concern as the city battles an ongoing health crisis.
According to experts, the unpredictable rains in Mumbai have resulted in an ideal environment for mosquito breeding. “Studies across Asia have shown that erratic weather conditions increase mosquito multiplication rates, leading to a rise in mosquito-borne diseases. Mumbai’s recent weather patterns have allowed these diseases to spread rapidly,” stated a senior health officer at the BMC. The surge in dengue cases has also led to a spike in hospital admissions. Health authorities are urging citizens to take precautions such as avoiding water accumulation, using mosquito repellents, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms persist. Meanwhile, the state health department reported that 75 people have died due to various monsoon-related diseases between January and September 7, with H1N1 accounting for 39 deaths and dengue for 17.
