A recent report released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated that dengue, malaria and chikungunya cases are on the rise this year as compared to the numbers reported in the previous year. While 1612 cases of malaria were reported between January and May 2024, a total of 1973 cases were reported this year in the same period.

In terms of dengue cases, 347 cases were reported in the same period this year against 338 cases reported in the same period last year. The number of chikungunya cases has seen a massive increase, with 115 cases reported in the first five months of this year against just 21 cases that were reported last year in the first five months of 2024. Also, as per the data shared by the state public health department, as on Wednesday, 61 people tested positive for Covid, with Mumbai having the maximum number of cases with 19 patients.

Speaking about one of the biggest challenges that the doctors are facing, Dr Abhijit Ahuja, pulmonologist, Saifee Hospital, said, “Considering that it is ‘the season of illnesses’, some people start self-medicating at home at least for the first two-three days. So, by the time the patient reaches a specialist, the health condition has deteriorated further. So, at the specialists’ level, this is the most common problem that is faced.” Health experts from across specialities say that in the current situation, where Covid cases and monsoon-related illnesses are both on the rise, vigilance and timely differentiation are key to ensuring proper treatment.