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Dengue and Chikungunya Surge Alarms Mumbai as Malaria Cases Soar
1 Aug
Summary
- Malaria cases jumped 46% in July compared to June
- Dengue and chikungunya cases surged over 500% in the same period
- Leptospirosis cases also increased significantly at private hospitals
As of August 1st, 2025, Mumbai is facing a severe outbreak of vector-borne diseases, with hospitals reporting a significant surge in cases over the past month. According to the data, malaria cases in the city jumped from 884 in June to 1,294 in July, a 46.38% increase. The situation is even more alarming for dengue and chikungunya, with cases surging over 500% in the same period - from 105 to 708 for dengue, and from 21 to 129 for chikungunya.
The crisis is not limited to just these two diseases. Private hospitals in Mumbai are also seeing a rise in leptospirosis cases, with the number increasing from 36 in June to 143 in July. Hepatitis cases have also gone up, from 78 to 176 during this time.
Doctors are deeply concerned about the situation. "Chikungunya was not an issue in Mumbai until some years ago. Most senior doctors saw it as a rarity, largely in patients coming from outside. Now, however, it is a common occurrence," said Dr. Anita Mathew, an Internal Medicine Specialist at Fortis Hospital.
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The surge in dengue cases has also overwhelmed outpatient departments, with many patients rushing to the hospital out of fear rather than serious illness. "Dengue can be managed at home if there is adequate fluid intake unless patients have specific serious symptoms," added Dr. Mathew.
Doctors are witnessing younger patients with vector-borne diseases turn serious, while older patients are the ones landing on ventilators at hospitals like Holy Family Hospital in Bandra. "Malaria is still topping the chart, but dengue increased a lot over the last month with a dramatic fall in platelets," said Dr. Anupama Sardana, a Critical Care Expert at the hospital.
The early onset of monsoon rains from May this year has created a favorable environment for the spread of these vector- and water-borne diseases, according to BMC officials. As the city battles this health crisis, doctors and authorities are working to contain the outbreak and provide timely treatment to affected patients.
