In the 2025 monsoon, malaria cases at construction sites across the city have more than doubled. The highest number of cases were reported from construction sites in A Ward, which covers Colaba, Fort, and Marine Drive.
BMC Data: More Testing, More Cases Detected
According to BMC statistics, special screening drives conducted during February–March and June–July showed a sharp rise in testing and a corresponding rise in positive cases.
February 2025: 50,190 construction workers tested; 7 positive
June 2025: 51,138 workers tested; 31 positive
Compared to 2024:
Feb–Mar 2024: 21,791 tested; 7 positive
Jun–Jul 2024: 36,499 tested; 10 positive
Overall, malaria cases at construction sites rose from 17 in 2024 to 38 in 2025, nearly doubling.
A Ward Records Highest Positivity Rate
A Ward (Colaba, Fort, Marine Drive, Ballard Estate-West) reported the most cases: 4 positives out of 738 workers tested.
This was followed by C Ward (Marine Lines, Kalbadevi, Chira Bazaar) where 3 positives emerged from 791 tests.
Some Wards Report Zero Cases Despite Large-Scale Testing
G South Ward (Worli, Prabhadevi, Mahalaxmi, parts of Lower Parel): 5,282 tested, 0 cases
S Ward (Bhandup, Kanjurmarg, Vikhroli): 3,717 tested, 0 cases
B Ward (Dongri, Nagpada, Bhuleshwar): 228 tested, 0 cases
Over 6,000 Malaria Cases in Mumbai in 2025
Citywide, more than 6,000 malaria cases have been recorded so far in 2025. Officials attribute the spike to an early and intense monsoon, which increased mosquito breeding. The BMC health department said that aggressive testing and expanded screening at construction sites have led to higher detection this year.