Pune Monsoon Health Alert: PMC Issues Advisory Amid Spike in Waterborne, Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Pune: PMC Steps Up Active Malaria Surveillance, Distributes Test Kits
PMC strengthens disease prevention efforts; urges public to follow safety protocols as monsoon season begins.
Pune, May 20, 2025 – As the monsoon season sets in, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a comprehensive health advisory warning residents about a potential surge in waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases. The advisory, released by the PMC’s Epidemic Control Department, outlines critical preventive measures and highlights the civic body’s preparedness to mitigate seasonal health risks.
According to PMC officials, diseases such as cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis, dysentery, jaundice, dengue, and chikungunya tend to spike during the rainy season. To counter this, the corporation has launched a multi-pronged health surveillance and prevention campaign, calling for heightened public vigilance.
PMC Strengthens Preparedness Across Healthcare Facilities
On May 16, the PMC conducted a city-wide training session for all medical officers to reinforce epidemic control protocols. Municipal clinics and hospitals have been directed to stock up on essential epidemic medicine kits to ensure rapid treatment of suspected cases.
Private healthcare practitioners have been urged to report cases of communicable diseases, including COVID-19, H1N1, dengue, and typhoid, to enable swift containment and intervention.
Public Health Guidelines for Monsoon Safety
PMC’s advisory emphasizes strict adherence to hygiene and sanitation protocols to minimize infection risk. Key recommendations for citizens include:
- Drink only municipal tap water; avoid borewell or canal water.
- Boil drinking water for at least 20 minutes before use.
- Avoid exposed or stale food; keep edibles covered.
- Wash hands regularly with soap, especially before meals and after toilet use.
- Prevent mosquito bites by using window screens, wearing full-sleeve clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets.
- Remove stagnant water from containers like tires, bottles, and flowerpots.
Sanitation and Mosquito Control Measures Intensified
The PMC has initiated large-scale cleaning operations across residential societies, schools, and public spaces, focusing on water tanks and pump wells. Residents have been urged to ensure proper waste segregation and to use PMC-approved waste collectors or authorized NGOs.
Construction sites and labor camps have been directed to prevent rainwater accumulation, a common breeding ground for mosquitoes. The PMC’s Pest Control Department is actively conducting anti-larval and fumigation drives across high-risk zones.
Respiratory Illness Prevention Also a Priority
Amid the rise in seasonal flu and respiratory infections, the PMC advises residents to:
- Wear triple-layer masks if experiencing cold or cough symptoms.
- Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing.
- Sanitize hands frequently, and avoid touching the face with unclean hands.
- Maintain distance from sick individuals to prevent transmission.
Report Health Hazards Promptly
Citizens are encouraged to report mosquito breeding sites or drainage issues through PMC’s helplines or ward offices for immediate action.
With active public participation and strict compliance with preventive guidelines, the PMC aims to safeguard Pune’s residents against the annual monsoon-related disease surge.
