Commonground
Senior Moderator
June 22, 2026
Multiple reports suggest that Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra are witnessing an increase in respiratory infections, including Covid-19, H1N1 (swine flu), other influenza A viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). According to a June 20 report by The Times of India, laboratories at major facilities such as Breach Candy Hospital have reportedly been detecting more than seven positive cases of Covid-19 or H1N1 every day, prompting discussions about whether seasonal and weather-related factors may be contributing to the rise.
Doctors cited in the report have observed a simultaneous increase in several respiratory viruses circulating in the community. BMC executive health officer Dr Daksha Shah told TOI that a couple of Covid cases had been reported, but added that “we believe these cases are mainly due to the ongoing weather change”. Some clinicians have also linked the trend to the delayed arrival of the monsoon.
The reports emerged just before rains lashed parts of Mumbai, with the India Meteorological Department issuing yellow and orange alerts for rainfall and warning of hot and humid weather conditions in parts of Maharashtra on June 21. While seasonal patterns have long been associated with respiratory infections, the relationship is often complex.
The reported increase in cases raises important questions about the role of changing weather conditions, the circulation of multiple respiratory viruses at the same time, and the precautions people should take as seasonal patterns continue to shift. To understand more, we spoke with experts.
What doctors are seeing on the ground
Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant Chest Physician, Bronchoscopist, Intensivist and Sleep Disorders Specialist at Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai, says the increase is real, but pinning it down to a specific virus is harder than it sounds.
He tells indianexpress.com, “There is a noticeable increase in viral infection-related respiratory tract symptoms, but due to non-testing, we don’t know which virus and which strain of the same is causing it. Most patients present with cough, fever, sore throat, and breathlessness, while those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or weakened immunity are more likely to develop moderate to severe respiratory symptoms requiring closer monitoring and care.”
https://indianexpress.com/article/l...n1-rsv-cases-respiratory-infections-10751340/
Multiple reports suggest that Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra are witnessing an increase in respiratory infections, including Covid-19, H1N1 (swine flu), other influenza A viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). According to a June 20 report by The Times of India, laboratories at major facilities such as Breach Candy Hospital have reportedly been detecting more than seven positive cases of Covid-19 or H1N1 every day, prompting discussions about whether seasonal and weather-related factors may be contributing to the rise.
Doctors cited in the report have observed a simultaneous increase in several respiratory viruses circulating in the community. BMC executive health officer Dr Daksha Shah told TOI that a couple of Covid cases had been reported, but added that “we believe these cases are mainly due to the ongoing weather change”. Some clinicians have also linked the trend to the delayed arrival of the monsoon.
The reports emerged just before rains lashed parts of Mumbai, with the India Meteorological Department issuing yellow and orange alerts for rainfall and warning of hot and humid weather conditions in parts of Maharashtra on June 21. While seasonal patterns have long been associated with respiratory infections, the relationship is often complex.
The reported increase in cases raises important questions about the role of changing weather conditions, the circulation of multiple respiratory viruses at the same time, and the precautions people should take as seasonal patterns continue to shift. To understand more, we spoke with experts.
What doctors are seeing on the ground
Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant Chest Physician, Bronchoscopist, Intensivist and Sleep Disorders Specialist at Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai, says the increase is real, but pinning it down to a specific virus is harder than it sounds.
He tells indianexpress.com, “There is a noticeable increase in viral infection-related respiratory tract symptoms, but due to non-testing, we don’t know which virus and which strain of the same is causing it. Most patients present with cough, fever, sore throat, and breathlessness, while those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or weakened immunity are more likely to develop moderate to severe respiratory symptoms requiring closer monitoring and care.”
https://indianexpress.com/article/l...n1-rsv-cases-respiratory-infections-10751340/