Pune recorded 2,391 confirmed dengue cases between June and September, with infections peaking in September, as the Pune Municipal Corporation intensified inspections to identify mosquito-breeding sites across homes, offices, colleges, construction sites and residential premises.
The civic data includes patients within and outside PMC limits, as well as cases for which addresses were unavailable. Within the PMC system, monthly confirmed cases rose from 103 in June to 366 in July and 512 in August before reaching 662 in September. These figures were based on IgM and NS1 ELISA tests conducted by the civic health department.
Kothrud reported the highest number of cases among PMC’s 16 ward offices, with 229 infections, followed by Nagar Road-Vadgaon Sheri with 222 and Aundh-Baner with 212. Dhankawadi-Sahakarnagar recorded 139 cases, while Yerawada-Kalas-Dhanori reported 137. In September, Aundh-Baner recorded the highest monthly count at 107, followed by Nagar Road-Vadgaon Sheri with 83 and Kothrud with 80.
The spread has also been reported in areas that were not among the main earlier clusters. Keshavnagar’s cases increased from 11 in August to 49 in September. Including cases outside PMC limits and those with unavailable addresses, 256 of the 2,391 confirmed cases were recorded in September.
PMC assistant health officer Dr Rajesh Dighe attributed the continuing risk to warm weather and high humidity. He said warmer conditions accelerate mosquitoes’ metabolism and life cycle, allowing them to develop from eggs into adults faster, while humidity improves mosquito survival.
The civic body’s broader surveillance data showed more than 1,700 suspected dengue cases and 90 confirmed cases reported by hospitals across Pune since January. PMC has also recorded 26 chikungunya cases. Suspected dengue cases stood at 173 up to May, followed by 175 suspected cases across June and July. August and September recorded 484 and 508 suspected cases, respectively. As of October 8, hospitals had reported 96 suspected and 25 confirmed cases.
Doctors said the increase in dengue cases over the past two months was accompanied by more patients presenting with complications. Dr Aparna Kodre, deputy head of medicine at a Pune-based hospital, cited serositis, dengue hepatitis, dengue shock syndrome and low platelet counts among the complications being seen. She said delayed hospitalisation could increase risks and prolong recovery, while early testing, monitoring and timely hospitalisation were helpful.
Doctors also warned that dengue transmission does not necessarily end with the monsoon. Dr Rahul Baste, a senior consultant in internal medicine at a Pune-based hospital, said stagnant water around homes, buildings and residential societies could continue to support breeding after the rains. He advised residents to empty plant trays and coolers, cover water-storage containers and remove standing water from balconies and rooftops. He also stressed that Aedes mosquitoes can bite during daylight hours.
PMC said it was using preventive measures, including biological larvicides, during inspections. Doctors advised residents to seek medical attention for persistent symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea or rashes. Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding and unusual drowsiness were identified as warning signs requiring immediate medical care.
