BMC efforts yield results: Dip in dengue, malaria cases in monsoon compared to 2023

Although there was an increase to 535 cases in July, this represents a 22% decrease compared to July 2023, which saw 685 cases.

Similarly, malaria cases decreased from 721 in July 2023 to 717 this July. However, this figure is up from June’s 443 cases, reflecting a seasonal spike attributed to the monsoon rains.

Experts note that the monsoon season typically leads to a rise in both dengue and malaria due to the increase in mosquito breeding sites created by stagnant water.

“The high humidity and frequent rainfall during this period create an ideal environment for mosquitoes, leading to more cases of these diseases,” said Dr. Daksha Shah, Executive Health Officer at BMC.

Despite the seasonal uptick, the overall downward trend highlights the effectiveness of ongoing public health measures. This trend continues even as the number of civic reporting units—such as labs, hospitals, and dispensaries—expanded drastically from 22 to 880 in 2023.

Doctors warn that with the monsoon season fully underway, cases are expected to rise further in August.

Dr. Rajesh More, a general physician, explained, “Continuous rainfall washes away mosquito breeding sites. However, once the rain stops and temporary water bodies form, mosquitoes exploit these stagnant waters to lay eggs. This often leads to a surge in mosquito-borne diseases in the months following intermittent rain, such as August.”

Interestingly, cases of gastroenteritis, a common monsoon-related illness, have decreased from 1,767 in July 2023 to 1,239 in July 2024.

However, a comparison with the previous month shows a notable increase, with June 2024 recording only 722 cases.

Data from the Indian Journal of Paediatrics indicates that children under five are especially vulnerable, with up to 50 per cent of pediatric hospital admissions during the monsoon linked to gastrointestinal infections.

Dr. Biswa Patra, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist at Asian Institute of Medical Science, noted, “Water-logging severely affects the quality of drinking water and food, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal infections such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It is crucial to remain vigilant and implement preventive measures.”

Conversely, swine flu cases have surged by approximately 51.89% compared to July 2023, rising from 106 to 161 cases.

Statewide data from January to July 2024 shows significant improvements in disease management compared to the same period in 2023.

Malaria cases have decreased from 16,159 in 2023 to 7,447 in 2024, with deaths dropping from 29 to six.

Dengue cases have also fallen from 6,159 to 4,965, and fatalities have reduced from 59 to three. Chikungunya cases decreased from 1,702 to 1,075, with no deaths reported in either year.