Mumbai has recorded a sharp increase in cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, one of the malaria parasites associated with severe disease, according to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation health department. Cases rose from 375 in 2015 to 2,382 in 2025, an increase of about 535% over the decade. The proportion of falciparum infections among the city’s total malaria cases also increased from 5.5% to 25.3% during the same period.

The rise comes amid a seasonal increase in mosquito-borne illnesses in Mumbai. State entomologist Dr Mahendra Jagtap, cited by The Times of India, attributed the post-Covid increase partly to labour migration from eastern India and Chhattisgarh, while noting that similar trends have been observed in Gadchiroli. He also pointed to the prevalence of Anopheles mosquitoes in Mumbai. Internal medicine specialist Dr Hemalata Arora said symptoms in the early stages may be difficult to distinguish from other febrile illnesses, while high fever accompanied by dehydration, nausea or vomiting warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Falciparum malaria is caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which enters the bloodstream through the bite of an infected mosquito and multiplies inside red blood cells. In severe infections, infected cells can obstruct small blood vessels and affect blood flow to vital organs, including the brain and kidneys. Early symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, body aches, weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort, making laboratory testing important for confirming the infection.

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The main concern with P. falciparum is its potential to progress rapidly to severe malaria. According to the World Health Organization, untreated P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe disease within 24 hours. Complications can include cerebral malaria, severe anaemia, breathing difficulties, low blood sugar, jaundice, kidney problems, abnormal bleeding and circulatory collapse. Severe cases can affect multiple organs, making early diagnosis and treatment particularly important.

Young children, pregnant women, people with HIV/AIDS and those with little or no acquired immunity to malaria face a higher risk of severe illness. Malaria can be diagnosed through parasite-based tests such as microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests, as its symptoms can overlap with dengue and other infections. For uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, the WHO recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies, while severe malaria requires urgent medical care and appropriate antimalarial treatment.

Preventing mosquito bites and reducing breeding sites remain important measures, particularly during the monsoon. Residents can remove stagnant water from containers, flowerpots, coolers and other potential breeding sites, while mosquito repellents, screens, nets and covered clothing can reduce exposure to bites. Anyone developing a fever in an area with malaria transmission should seek medical evaluation rather than relying only on symptoms, as prompt testing can help determine the appropriate treatment.

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