The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Public Health Department has reported a significant rise in monsoon-related illnesses in the first half of 2025, with notable increases in malaria and gastroenteritis cases. This spike is attributed to the early onset of monsoon showers in May, which created a conducive environment for the spread of vector-borne and water-borne diseases.
Data released by the BMC shows that malaria cases rose sharply to 2,857 between January and June 2025, compared to 2,055 in the same period last year. Gastroenteritis also saw an increase, with 4,513 cases reported this year against 4,200 in 2024. Hepatitis cases grew from 347 to 437, while chikungunya infections jumped from 21 to 136, indicating an alarming upward trend. Dengue cases saw a marginal rise, from 431 to 452. Meanwhile, COVID-19 infections showed a decline, with 992 cases reported in the first half of 2025, down from 1,392 during the same period last year.
To tackle the rise in vector-borne diseases, the BMC initiated a Special Construction Drive in May and June. As part of this initiative, 3,033 construction sites across the city were inspected. Over 50,000 blood samples were collected, leading to the detection of 30 malaria cases, all of which received appropriate medical care.
The civic body also intensified its public health outreach in June. Through a house-to-house fever survey, over 10 lakh households and nearly 48 lakh individuals were screened. Around 1.46 lakh blood slides were collected for contact tracing. Additionally, 36 health camps were organized and nearly 4,900 workplace interventions were carried out to ensure early detection and treatment of infections.
Vector control teams inspected over 72,000 potential breeding sources, identifying 6,506 breeding spots for Anopheles mosquitoes, responsible for malaria transmission. For dengue and chikungunya, 27,456 breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes were found. More than 85,000 water-holding items like tyres and containers were removed from across the city. Fogging operations were also conducted extensively, covering over 51,000 buildings and nearly 8.4 lakh huts to contain the mosquito population.
The BMC has urged residents to take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites and reduce breeding grounds. Citizens are advised to ensure that water does not accumulate in and around their homes, dispose of unused items that may collect rainwater, and use mosquito nets or repellents. In case of fever or illness, residents should immediately visit the nearest civic-run Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana or municipal hospital rather than resorting to self-medication.
For leptospirosis prevention, the BMC recommends avoiding walking through floodwaters or, if necessary, wearing gumboots and seeking prophylactic treatment within 72 hours of exposure. In order to avoid gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and typhoid, citizens should refrain from consuming street food, maintain strict hand hygiene, and drink only boiled water. To prevent COVID-19, individuals are advised to practice cough etiquette, wash hands regularly, get adequate rest, and eat nutritious food. High-risk groups, including the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, should take extra precautions.
The civic body continues to monitor the situation closely and has assured citizens that all necessary steps are being taken to mitigate the public health risks during the monsoon season.
