Dengue Cases Surge in Maharashtra, Pune District Reports Highest Numbers
Maharashtra is experiencing a rise in vector-borne diseases coinciding with the monsoon season, characterized by rainfall, high humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Data from the state epidemiology department reveals that Pune district has recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the state so far this year, with a total of 265 cases reported between January and August 21st.
Following Pune, palghar district reported 232 dengue cases, Akola recorded 200, and Amravati reported 132. The state has also recorded 26 suspected dengue-related deaths during this period.
While the current year’s dengue case count is lower then the same period last year – 5,962 cases this year compared to 2,895 in 2025 – officials anticipate a potential further increase as the monsoon season continues.Alongside dengue, Maharashtra has also seen 1,945 cases of chikungunya reported between January and August 21st, with Pune district accounting for 176 of these, making it the second-highest affected district in the state.
Within Pune city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has observed a notable increase in cases over the past two months. Between july and August, the city reported 39 confirmed dengue cases, 1,113 suspected cases, and seven confirmed chikungunya cases. August alone saw 28 dengue and five chikungunya cases, representing the highest monthly figures of the year. As of August, the PMC has cumulatively reported 51 confirmed dengue cases, 1,366 suspected cases, and 17 confirmed chikungunya cases.
State health officials attribute the rise in cases to the favorable breeding conditions created by the ongoing monsoon weather. Dr. Sandeep Sangale,joint director of health services and head of the state’s vector-borne disease control program,emphasized the importance of continued preventative measures,including containment efforts and public awareness campaigns.
Dr. Aparna Patil,Pune district malaria officer,pointed to urbanization,a large migratory population,and increased testing as contributing factors to the higher case numbers in Pune.Over 2,500 samples have been tested for dengue and chikungunya within the district.
The PMC is actively intensifying fogging and cleanliness drives in vulnerable areas, and citizens are being urged to eliminate stagnant water, utilize mosquito nets, and wear protective clothing to minimize risk.
