The monsoons are much awaited due to the vast relief they offer from the scorching summers, but there’s also a downside to the rains. Every monsoon season, the risk of catching various diseases is extremely high. Many of these monsoon diseases remain undiagnosed until they progress to the later stages, greatly increasing the risk of mortality. This is why early diagnosis of diseases in rainy season is so critical, making the difference between life and death. If you notice any symptoms of illness that are common in the monsoon season, visit a doctor right away!
In order to keep yourself safe, you should know these common monsoon-time diseases.
Typhoid
This water-borne infection is brought about by the consumption of contaminated water and dirty sanitation.
Symptoms: High fever, tormenting pain in the abdomen area and cerebral pain, sore throat, headache, rash and constipation
Prevention: Drink boiled water, avoid street food, wash your hands often, avoid cold food
Malaria
Malaria is caused due to parasites transmitted through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. It is very common during the monsoon because there is a sharp rise in the increase of mosquitoes. This is because, during monsoon, water collects in puddles and other empty areas and creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Symptoms: Fever at regular intervals, bouts of shivering, muscle pain and weakness
Prevention: Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves, use a mosquito net during the night, don’t let water stagnate in your area
Cholera
Cholera is another deadly disease. The bacterium that causes cholera is usually found in food or water contaminated. Also, poor hygienic conditions help this disease to spread.
Symptoms: severe diarrhoea, dehydration, fever, hunger and water-electrolyte imbalance
Prevention: Wash hands with soap and water frequently, drink only safe water including bottled water or boiled water, eat food that’s completely cooked and hot and avoid street food vendor food.
Jaundice
Jaundice can be a really painful experience. It is a kind of sickness that is caused by excessive bilirubin in the blood and causes your skin to become yellow. This sickness harms your liver considerably.
Symptoms: Yellow tinge to the skin and the whites of the eyes, itchiness, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, vomiting and fever.
Prevention: Drink clean water, avoid excessive alcohol, eat healthy food
Leptospirosis
The disease is usually spread through the consumption of contaminated water and contaminated food or by wading in dirty water with open wounds.
Symptoms: High fever, cold chills, severe headaches, muscle ache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain with diarrhoea and rash
Prevention: Avoid contact with stagnant rainwater, keep all wounds clean and covered; use antiseptics to clean the wound and prevent infection, avoid swimming in possibly contaminated water (sea, lakes, etc).
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes breed in the stagnated water and bite during bright daylight.
Symptoms: Fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling and rash.
Prevention: Mosquito-proof your house, wear long – sleeved shirts and long pants, use insect repellents
Dengue
This disease is normally caused by Aedes mosquitoes and they have a track record of frequently wreaking havoc upon your well-being. It is not a contagious disease and therefore does not spread through contact with the infected person.
Symptoms: High fever, headache, rash, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain
Prevention: Mosquito-proof your house, wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers when going outdoors, apply insect repellent
Hepatitis A
The Hepatitis A virus causes this disease, which is spread by the faeco-oral route. Though there have been isolated cases of people contracting the disease by coming in direct contact with a patient, epidemics are caused by flies.
Symptoms: High body temperature, headache, joint pains, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, rash and a general yellow tinge to the body
Prevention: Hepatitis virus vaccination
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is commonly known as the stomach flu. The reason that it is so common in the monsoon is because it is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. It is contagious and spreads through contact with the infection person.
Symptoms: Diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea and fever
Prevention: Wash your hands often, do not eat raw or undercooked foods, avoid contaminated water and food when travelling, use hand sanitizer regularly
In case of severe symptoms due to any such disease, call our 24-hour helpline at +91-22-3099-9999.
