Pre-monsoon Showers in May Triggers Surge in Respiratory Infections In Mumbai
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Doctors link pre-monsoon rains to rising cases of viral fever, cough, and respiratory distress across the city.
Mumbai is witnessing a sharp spike in seasonal infections following an intense, unseasonal spell of rainfall this week, its wettest May since 2021. Between Tuesday and Thursday, the Santacruz observatory recorded 34 mm of rainfall, nearly four times the city’s average for the entire month.
Clinics and hospitals across the city, including KEM, Nair, and Sion, have reported a 30–40% jump in outpatient visits, with patients complaining of persistent dry cough, fever, throat irritation, fatigue, and in some cases, breathing difficulty. Health experts point to the sudden weather changes, higher humidity, stagnant water, and damp conditions, as ideal triggers for viral and bacterial infections, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory or metabolic conditions.
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“In just five days, what looked like isolated flu cases has turned into a wave,” said a doctor from Nair Hospital. “The most vulnerable, elderly patients, diabetics, asthmatics are being hit hardest.”
Doctors explain that transitional weather like this weakens the respiratory tract’s natural defences, making it easier for airborne pathogens to take hold. The combination of damp clothing, moisture-heavy air, and cooler evenings after rain has also made people more susceptible.
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Public health officials from the BMC have issued an advisory urging residents to:
Maintain hand hygiene
Wear masks in crowded places
Avoid self-medication
Seek timely medical help
Stay indoors if feeling unwell
With more unseasonal showers expected and the monsoon likely to arrive early around May 27, clinicians warn of a continued surge in infections. They stress early diagnosis, hydration, sufficient rest, and avoiding exposure to damp environments as key to staying safe.
