India, Oct. 13 -- Pune city has witnessed a sharp increase in malaria cases this monsoon season. As of September 30, the city has reported 88 malaria cases, marking a fourfold rise compared to the 23 cases recorded during the same period last year, according to officials from the Public Health Department.

Data from the State Epidemiology Department and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) show that between January 1 and September 30, 2023, the city has seen a significant uptick in cases.

Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer at PMC, explained that the reported malaria cases include both rapid diagnostic test results and confirmed cases from blood smear tests.

"Rapid test results indicate suspected cases, which are then confirmed th...