Nashik: The city saw a sharp rise in dengue cases in July, with 33 people testing positive, up from just eight cases in June, according to data from the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC).With these new infections, the city’s total dengue count since Jan 1 has climbed to 56. “The spike is linked to the monsoon season which creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. July alone accounted for nearly 60% of all dengue cases reported in the city this year, making it the worst-affected month so far in 2026. The city had recorded only 15 cases between Jan and May,” a civic health official said while talking to TOI.Despite the recent spike, the official said the overall situation remains considerably better than last year. “Between Jan 1 and July 31, 2025, the city had reported 222 dengue cases. This is more than four times the current year’s tally. July 2025 alone had recorded 75 cases, the highest monthly count during that period,” the official said.The civic health department has attributed the lower overall caseload this year to sustained preventive measures undertaken ahead of monsoon. “Since April, the health department carried out anti-larval treatment, source reduction drives and public awareness campaigns across residential areas, commercial establishments and vulnerable localities to curb mosquito breeding,” the official said.The civic body has now renewed its appeal to the residents to strictly follow the preventive measures. Under its latest advisory, the residents have been urged to eliminate stagnant water from their surroundings and maintain cleanliness in their neighbourhood.“Residents are advised to clean and dry water storage containers, overhead tanks, coolers and other water-holding structures at least once a week. People should keep the water storage containers covered and dispose of discarded containers, cans, bottles and scrap items that can collect rainwater,” the official said.The civic body has advised the residents to wear full-sleeved clothing, use mosquito repellents and seek immediate medical attention in case of symptoms such as high fever, headache, body ache or rashes.Officials have warned that establishments found contributing to mosquito breeding could face strict action under public health regulations.
