Maharashtra: Dengue cases drop by 40% in 2022

Maharashtra has recorded a 40 per cent drop in dengue cases last year compared to 2021, even as mosquito-borne diseases have been on the rise over past two months due to intermittent rain.

Health department data shows that in 2021, the state reported over 12,000 cases of dengue which dropped to 8,000 in 2022. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, preventive measures for monsoon-related diseases had taken a backseat. But last year, we vigilantly inspected open grounds and houses that helped bring down cases of dengue,” said a health official.

This year, so far the state has reported 1,237 dengue cases as against 807 reported in the same period last year. The five districts that recorded the highest cases: Mumbai (335) followed by Nashik (88), Sangli (72), Solapur (32), Kolhapur (30).

State entomologist Dr Mahendra Jagtap attributed it to the intermittent rainfall since January. “Generally, cases of dengue and malaria rise during the monsoon. But this year due to the small rainfalls, we have witnessed the surge in cases,” said Dr Jagtap.