Mumbai Sees Significant Drop in Dengue and Malaria Cases: A Historical Context

Mumbai has experienced a notable reduction in dengue and malaria cases in June, with dengue cases dropping by 70% and malaria cases by 30% compared to the same month last year. This decline is particularly significant given the historical context of vector-borne diseases in the city.

Historical Context

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, has a long history of battling vector-borne diseases. The city’s tropical climate and monsoon season create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, leading to frequent outbreaks of diseases like malaria and dengue. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), established in 1888, has been at the forefront of public health initiatives to combat these diseases.

Recent Data and Efforts

According to BMC data, dengue cases fell from 353 in June 2023 to 93 in June 2024. Similarly, malaria cases decreased from 649 to 443 during the same period. This decline is noteworthy, especially considering the increase in civic reporting units from 22 to 880 in 2023, which initially led to a spike in reported cases.

The BMC has implemented a comprehensive strategy to combat these diseases, including:

1. Source Reduction: Eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
2. Minor Engineering: Modifying environments to prevent water accumulation.
3. Chemical Control: Using insecticides to kill mosquitoes.
4. Biological Measures: Introducing natural predators to control mosquito populations.

This year, the BMC also enlisted over 100 mentors from medical institutions to aid in faster detection and response. The civic body deployed 16,672 fogging machines, inspected 4,730 premises for malaria, and identified 28,928 breeding sites. For dengue, over 11,45,505 houses were inspected.

Challenges and Awareness Campaigns

High-rise buildings pose a unique challenge for dengue control, as water can accumulate in flower pots and other objects. In contrast, slums are easier to inspect and treat. To raise awareness, the BMC launched the “Bhaag Macchar Bhaag” campaign, featuring celebrities educating the public on mosquito mitigation.

Expert Opinions

Medical experts have observed a significant decline in cases. Dr. Vikrant Shah noted a substantial drop in both malaria and dengue cases at his hospital in Chembur. However, he cautioned that the full impact of the monsoon season is yet to be seen.

Summary

• Dengue Cases: Dropped from 353 in June 2023 to 93 in June 2024.
• Malaria Cases: Decreased from 649 to 443 in the same period.
• Increased Reporting Units: From 22 to 880 in 2023.
• BMC Strategy: Source reduction, minor engineering, chemical control, biological measures.
• Awareness Campaign: “Bhaag Macchar Bhaag” featuring celebrities.
• Expert Observations: Significant decline in cases, especially in slums.

This decline in vector-borne diseases is a testament to the BMC’s robust public health initiatives and the increased awareness among Mumbai’s residents.