Cases of Chikungunya Rise Ahead of Monsoon

Chikungunya's rise is a red flag. As the monsoon nears, intensified surveillance and source reduction efforts are essential

- HT Correspondent

MUMBAI: Even before the onset of monsoon, Maharashtra is witnessing a sharp uptick in chikungunya cases, even as malaria and dengue infections remain largely under control. No deaths from any vector-borne disease have been reported in the state so far this year—a marked improvement from the same period in 2024.

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

According to the National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), Maharashtra recorded 2,726 malaria cases up to April 21 this year, marginally lower than the 2,867 cases in the corresponding period of 2024. Dengue cases declined to 1,373 from 1,639. However, chikungunya infections rose significantly—from 473 cases last year to 658 this year.