In May, 16 cases were reported. Officials of the Health department said the number of cases have increased since then, but the figures for June are being compiled.

According to the available figures, 44 cases of malaria have been reported so far.

Officials said with more showers the number of cases is likely to rise further, especially in slums and villages.

Last year, 430 malaria and 25 dengue cases were reported.

“This year, no case of dengue has come so far. But malaria cases are being reported. We have divided the city into zones for better management of awareness drives and treatment. Blood samples are being collected from various camps to detect malaria cases,” a senior health official said.

To curtail the spread of the fever, the department has constituted teams under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.

“Teams have been pressed into action in several pockets of the city to collect blood samples and ensure that stagnant water is drained,” the official said. “In our last camp in Mauli Jagran a few days ago, more than 270 samples were collected for testing.”

Officials say residents need to be more vigilant.