Mumbai sees spike in swine flu, COVID and monsoon illnesses: BMC data

Representation pic/istock

Mumbai's monsoon is bringing more than mosquito-borne diseases this year. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data shows a sharp rise in respiratory infections such as H1N1 (swine flu) and COVID-19, while dengue, leptospirosis and gastroenteritis cases have also climbed significantly over the past month.

The civic body says July and August are traditionally the peak months for seasonal illnesses and has stepped up surveillance across the city. It has also rolled out the ‘Aarogya Saathi' initiative at construction sites to tackle mosquito breeding.

Why are cases rising?

Doctors say the combination of heavy rain, humidity, waterlogging, and crowded indoor spaces creates ideal conditions for seasonal diseases. While stagnant water leads to mosquito breeding, contaminated food and water increase the risk of gastroenteritis and leptospirosis. Also, crowded trains, buses, schools, and offices allow respiratory infections such as H1N1 and COVID-19 to spread easily.

BMC steps up surveillance

>> During July, the civic body carried out:
>> Survey of 6.59 lakh houses
>> Covered 23 lakh people
>> Collected 75,000-plus blood samples
>> Administered preventive leptospirosis tablets to 51,000-plus people
>> Door-to-door surveillance, anti-larval spraying, and mosquito breeding inspections have also been intensified.

BMC: Spike is seasonal

Daksha Shah, Executive Health Officer, BMC, said the increase is part of the city's annual monsoon pattern. "These spikes are seen every year. Vector-borne diseases begin increasing from June, while July and August are considered the peak months. Mosquitoes generally breed about a fortnight after heavy rainfall, followed by intermittent showers."

Aarogya Saathi: New focus on construction sites

The BMC has launched the Aarogya Saathi initiative at construction sites, which are considered major mosquito breeding hotspots during the monsoon.

Under the programme:
>> Five to 10 trained workers have been deployed at every site.
>> Workers inspect for stagnant water every day.
>> Breeding sources are eliminated immediately.
>> Compliance is monitored through WhatsApp groups and regular BMC inspections.

Doctors advise early treatment

Dr Nimitt Nagda, Internal Medicine Expert, Zynova Shalby Hospital
"The combination of prolonged waterlogging, high humidity and fluctuating temperatures creates ideal conditions for both mosquitoes and respiratory viruses. During the rains, people also spend more time indoors in poorly ventilated spaces."

Dr Tushar Rane, General Physician, Apollo Spectra Hospital
"Many people dismiss these infections as routine seasonal fever and delay treatment. Early diagnosis is important."

Dr Vasant Nagvekar, Director, Infectious Diseases, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital
‘Dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis increase during the monsoon because rainfall promotes mosquito breeding and water contamination. Each disease spreads differently, so prevention also differs.'

Watch out for these symptoms

>> Fever
>> Chills
>> Persistent cough
>> Breathlessness
>> Severe body ache
>> Vomiting or diarrhoea after exposure to contaminated water

July vs June

Disease June July Increase
Leptospirosis 33 78 136%
COVID-19 27 58 115%
H1N1 58 105 81%
Dengue 266 466 75%
Gastroenteritis 603 851 41%
Chikungunya 7 7 No change