Malaria and Dengue Surge in Mumbai with High Concentration in Andheri

Malaria, dengue, and leptospirosis cases have seen a sharp increase across Mumbai during the first half of August, with high concentrations of infections reported in the K-West Ward covering Andheri, Nehru Nagar, and Amboli.

According to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), malaria cases reached 1,797 in just the first half of August, surpassing the 1,380 cases recorded during the entire month of July. Dengue cases also witnessed a notable climb, rising from 466 in July to 613 in the first half of August. Leptospirosis infections increased from 78 to 111 over the same period.

Health authorities reported that the highest saturation of malaria cases has been observed across several key municipal wards. In addition to K-West Ward in Andheri, high numbers were concentrated in E Ward, which covers Byculla, Madanpura, and Mazgaon; G-South Ward, comprising BDD Chawl and Sasmira; F-South Ward, covering Parel, Bhoiwada, and Sewri; and H-West Ward, including Hill Road, Turner Road, and Perry Cross Road.

A significant factor behind the rise in infections is the presence of mosquito breeding spots located around construction sites across the city. In response to the growing caseload, the BMC health department launched the 'Aarogya Sathi' initiative to tackle vector breeding at its source.

The civic body has implemented the campaign across 4,075 construction sites, engaging with five to ten workers at each location. The broader program aims to train between 20,000 and 30,000 construction workers in identifying and preventing mosquito breeding environments.

Dr Daksha Shah, executive health officer at the BMC, stated that the outreach and interaction with workers also focuses on educating them about the immediate steps they should take when experiencing symptoms linked to various monsoon-related illnesses.