Mumbai Dengue Cases Up 28%, Malaria Up 18%, H1N1 Nearly Triples in 2026

Mumbai is witnessing a surge in several monsoon-related diseases this year, with dengue, malaria, leptospirosis and H1N1 infections rising significantly compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) latest monsoon health surveillance report.

The report compares disease data recorded between January 1 and July 14, 2026, with the corresponding period in 2025.

Key Data on Diseases:

Several Diseases Show Declining Trend

While mosquito- and water-borne illnesses have increased, the city has reported a decline in several other infectious diseases.

Heavy Rainfall Linked to Rise in Leptospirosis

According to the BMC, continuous heavy rainfall and widespread waterlogging have created favourable conditions for the spread of leptospirosis. The civic body has advised residents who come into contact with floodwater to seek preventive medication, as the disease spreads through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

People are also being encouraged to avoid walking barefoot through stagnant water and to wear protective footwear, such as gumboots, during heavy rains.

Extensive Surveillance and Preventive Measures

To contain the spread of seasonal diseases, the BMC has intensified surveillance and public health interventions across the city.

A special drive at nearly 3,000 construction sites screened 54,763 workers for malaria. Authorities detected 37 malaria-positive workers, all of whom received treatment.

Aggressive Anti-Mosquito Drive

The civic body's vector control teams also carried out large-scale anti-mosquito operations across Mumbai.

Residents have been urged to eliminate stagnant water around their homes, use mosquito repellents and nets, and seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms such as fever, body aches or persistent flu-like illness.

Doctors Report Increase in Viral Fever Cases

Doctors across Mumbai are also witnessing a rise in viral infections this monsoon.

Dr. Chhaya Vaja, Internal Medicine Expert at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Mumbai, said that two to three out of every 10 patients visiting the outpatient department currently present with fever-related complaints.

According to her, the hospital has recorded a 20% increase in viral infections over the past two months among adults aged 22 to 65 years.

Common Symptoms

She advised people not to ignore symptoms that persist for more than two days and to seek timely medical evaluation.