Mumbai, July 4, 2025 Along with a season downpour, the monsoon rains that arrived in Mumbai sooner than expected this year brought other things. Particularly malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, mosquito-borne illnesses, the city is battling a worrying increase in monsoon-related diseases.
According to the most recent data made public by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), malaria cases in June 2025 are almost double what they were same period last year. Mumbai noted 884 malaria cases this June, a significant increase from 443 cases registered in June 2024. This dramatic rise has alarmed healthcare officials as the monsoon season gets underway.
Malaria is not, nevertheless, the only threat. Diseases like chikungunya and dengue, both spread by the Aedes mosquito, are also exhibiting alarming indications of rebirth. Dengue has so far reached 105 cases this June; chikungunya, which had no reported cases last June, abruptly shot to 21.
Hospitals Feel the Pressure, but No Deaths Reported So Far
While the number of infections is climbing rapidly, doctors across Mumbai say that hospitalizations are manageable at the moment. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported due to these diseases so far. However, the consistent influx of patients, particularly from densely populated areas like housing societies and slum clusters, is putting stress on outpatient and emergency services.
“We’re seeing a steady stream of patients, especially from low-lying, overcrowded areas where water stagnation is common,” said Dr. Hinletta Aurora, Consultant Physician at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai. “So far, most malaria cases are of the Plasmodium vivax type, and they’re responding well to treatment. We haven’t seen resistant strains or falciparum cases yet, which is a relief.”
Why the Sudden Surge? Experts Blame Early Rains and Poor Urban Infrastructure
The city typically braces for a rise in waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon, but this year’s early arrival of the rains on May 26—nearly two weeks ahead of schedule—has given these infections a head start.
Experts believe a combination of factors has turned Mumbai into a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes:
- Early and intense rainfall
- Inadequate drainage and frequent waterlogging
- Overflowing gutters and stagnant water in construction sites
- High population density and poor sanitation in slums
- Open water storage in residential areas
“Mumbai’s construction boom, combined with weak infrastructure, provides ideal conditions for mosquito breeding,” Dr. Aurora explained. “Stagnant puddles at building sites and clogged drains after heavy showers are mosquito havens. Add in overcrowded living conditions, and you have the perfect storm for an outbreak.”
A Closer Look at the Numbers
Let’s break down the key statistics from the BMC’s June health report:
- Malaria: 884 cases (up from 443 in June 2024)
- Dengue: 105 cases (stable but concerning)
- Chikungunya: 21 cases (compared to 0 in June last year)
- Typhoid and Flu: Rising trend, though official numbers are yet to be released
Public health experts are also warning of a potential spike in typhoid and influenza, both of which tend to rise during the wet season due to contaminated water and unhygienic food conditions.
Protecting Yourself This Monsoon: Doctor’s Advice
Dr. Aurora stressed that individual responsibility and community hygiene are crucial to curbing the spread of these diseases.
Her key prevention tips include:
- Avoid eating outside food, especially roadside snacks, which can be contaminated.
- Drink only filtered or boiled water, even at home.
- Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors.
- Ensure no stagnant water is allowed to collect in and around your home—check flower pots, coolers, and open containers.
- Clean drains and gutters regularly, especially after rainfall.
- Report mosquito breeding sites to the BMC for timely fogging and sanitation.
“Each citizen plays a role,” she said. “Whether it’s keeping your balcony dry or ensuring your neighborhood garbage is cleared, these small acts collectively prevent outbreaks.”
City’s Response: Is It Enough?
The BMC has ramped up efforts with fumigation drives, door-to-door awareness campaigns, and vector control operations, particularly in vulnerable areas. However, several residents have voiced concerns over delayed fogging, uncleared garbage, and overflowing drains—issues that are common each monsoon, yet remain unresolved.
Health activists argue that Mumbai’s civic infrastructure has not kept pace with urban growth, especially in eastern and western suburbs where slums sit side-by-side with high-rise residential towers. These mixed zones often fall through administrative cracks.
“We’ve seen a pattern. Every year, the same areas get hit hardest,” said Sunil More, a local health volunteer from Kurla. “It’s time the city moved from a reactive to a proactive strategy, especially with climate change making rainfall patterns more unpredictable.”
Climate Change and Monsoon Disease Patterns
The unpredictable arrival and intensity of monsoons are being increasingly linked to climate change. Scientists say changing weather patterns are altering the breeding cycles of mosquitoes, making disease prediction and prevention more challenging.
Warmer temperatures and increased humidity—both outcomes of global warming—create ideal conditions for mosquito reproduction and virus transmission. Experts are calling for more investment in climate-adaptive urban planning, better drainage systems, and year-round mosquito surveillance.
Community Initiatives and Citizen Action
In the face of rising infections, many housing societies and local NGOs are stepping up to protect their neighborhoods. Measures include:
- Weekly dry-day checks to ensure no standing water
- Hiring private pest control companies for frequent fogging
- Distributing free repellents and mosquito nets in vulnerable communities
- Holding awareness workshops on monsoon hygiene
One such initiative in Dadar, led by the “Clean Monsoon, Safe Mumbai” group, has already reached 15,000 homes with leaflets and mosquito repellent samples.
What Lies Ahead
With July and August traditionally being the peak monsoon months, doctors and civic officials warn that the worst may still be ahead. They urge citizens to remain cautious and act early to prevent further spread.
“Don’t wait for the illness to come knocking,” Dr. Aurora emphasized. “The earlier you act—by keeping your environment clean, taking preventive health measures—the safer you and your family will be this season.”
Final Word: Staying Safe This Monsoon
Mumbais monsoon brings relief from the heat, but it also comes with a health cost. As the rains continue, vigilance is key. From maintaining personal hygiene to community cleanliness, every action counts.
The spike in mosquito-borne illnesses this year is a wake-up call—not just for individuals, but for the city’s planning and public health systems.
Let’s work together to ensure that this monsoon is memorable for the rain, not the sickness it brings.