Mumbai records highest number of Chikungunya cases in 3 years

Mumbai has witnessed a rise in Chikungunya cases this year, with over 578 infections recorded between January and October, marking the highest numbers in three years.

This surge has raised concerns among health officials and doctors, who are calling for urgent measures to curb the spread of the disease.

Data from BMC showed that in 2022, only 18 cases were reported, which rose sharply to 250 in 2023. However, 2024 has seen an even larger spike, with 578 cases reported by October.

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are active during the daytime.

Common symptoms include high fever, intense joint pain, muscle aches, headache, skin rashes, and fatigue. In severe cases, joint pain can persist for months, affecting daily activities.

Unlike previous years, the prolonged monsoon season has been a major contributing factor. Intermittent rains have left stagnant water in places such as construction sites, discarded containers, and tarpaulin sheets.