Pune, 31st July 2026: Pune has witnessed a sharp rise in suspected dengue cases since the onset of the monsoon, with stagnant rainwater creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.
According to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 473 suspected dengue cases were reported in the city between January and July 15, with almost 300 cases registered during June and the first half of July alone.
Dengue patients remained comparatively low during the first five months of the year. The city recorded 25 suspected cases in January, 23 in February, 26 in March, 41 in April, and 58 in May. However, the number rose sharply to 175 cases in June, followed by 125 more suspected cases in the first 15 days of July, indicating a significant seasonal spike.
Health officials said water accumulating around residential areas, construction sites, scrap yards, and other locations during the rainy season provides ideal breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
The combination of persistent rainfall and changing weather conditions is expected to increase the risk of transmission if preventive measures are not taken.
PMC health department chief Dr. Nina Borade urged citizens not to ignore symptoms such as fever, body ache, headache, pain behind the eyes, and weakness. She advised people to consult doctors promptly and undergo the required tests if symptoms appear.
Residents have also been asked to prevent water stagnation around their homes, keep water storage containers covered, and take adequate precautions against mosquito bites.
The PMC has also instructed private hospitals to strictly follow the Maharashtra government's prescribed rates for dengue diagnosis and treatment.
Under the government's guidelines, each of the three approved dengue diagnostic tests has been capped at ₹600, and hospitals have been directed to charge only the notified rates, ensuring that patients are not burdened with excessive medical costs during the monsoon season.
