India’s annual showers from June to September bring much-needed relief from the searing heat. However, this period also comes with a heightened risk of various illnesses and infections. Increased humidity and stagnant water create a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Without proper care, these conditions can lead to severe health issues, increased morbidity and mortality, and further transmission in the community.
Here are some of the most common monsoon diseases and how to prevent them:
Mosquito-Borne Diseases:
Dengue (Break-bone Fever)
Cause: Dengue virus (Flavivirus family) transmitted by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, a daytime mosquito.
Symptoms: High fever (2-7 days), joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, weakness, skin rashes, bleeding (nose, gums, stool, urine, menstruation), loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
Prevention: Eliminate stagnant water, use insect repellents, and cover containers holding water.
Malaria
Cause: Plasmodium parasite transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito.
Symptoms: Fever, chills, sweats, headaches, nausea, vomiting, body aches, weakness.
Prevention: Remove stagnant water from containers, check gutters, and use mosquito nets and repellents.
Chikungunya
Cause: Aedes albopictus or Aedes aegypti, mosquito bites.
Symptoms: Acute joint pain, high fever, fatigue, chills.
Prevention: Clean surfaces or containers with stagnant water, apply insect repellent.
Water or Food-Borne Infections
Diarrhea
Cause: Consumption of unhygienic food and water.
Symptoms: Abdominal cramps or pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, blood in the stool.
Prevention: Consume boiled water and prepare meals hygienically. Stay hydrated with electrolyte-rich fluids.
Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)
Cause: Contagious viruses affecting the stomach and intestines.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, headache, abdominal pain, lack of appetite.
Prevention: Practice good hygiene, avoid contaminated food and water, and stay hydrated.
Cholera
Cause: Vibrio bacterium from contaminated food and drink.
Symptoms: Loose stools, low blood pressure, thirst, muscle cramps, rapid heart rate, dry mucous membrane, loss of skin elasticity.
Prevention: Drink boiled water, avoid food exposed to the outside environment, maintain cleanliness, seek proper treatment.
Typhoid
Cause: S. Typhi bacteria from poorly sanitized or stored food and drink.
Symptoms: Prolonged high fever, weakness, abdominal pain, constipation, headaches, vomiting.
Prevention: Avoid contaminated beverages, wash hands before eating, maintain personal hygiene, carry sanitizer. Take typhoid vaccine.
Hepatitis A
Cause: Consumption of food and water contaminated with human waste and urine of an infected person.
Symptoms: Fever, weakness, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, jaundice.
Prevention: Practice proper handwashing, safe food and water handling, proper waste disposal.
Leptospirosis
Cause: Contact with contaminated water or mud, spread from animals to humans.
Symptoms: Inflammation, chills, muscle discomfort, headaches, fever.
Prevention: Cover scratches or bruises before going outside, avoid contact with contaminated water.
Person-to-Person Spread
Viral Fever
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, body chills, muscle, body, and joint pain, inflammation of the pharynx.
Prevention: Stay hydrated, avoid contact with infected persons, limit intake of outside food.
Influenza
Symptoms: Fever, aching muscles, sweating, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat.
Prevention: Bed rest, fluid intake, use of analgesics to reduce fever, avoid aspirin for young children or adolescents with the flu.
General Precautions
Practice Good Hygiene
Hand Washing: Regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
Personal Cleanliness: Maintain personal hygiene by taking regular showers and keeping nails trimmed and clean.
Sanitize Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home and work.
Prevent Water Stagnation
Remove Stagnant Water: Regularly check and empty containers, pots, and any other items that can collect water.
Clean Gutters: Ensure gutters and drains are not clogged to prevent water accumulation.
Safe Food and Water Practices
Boil Drinking Water: Ensure all drinking water is boiled or filtered to kill pathogens.
Freshly Prepared Food: Consume freshly cooked food and avoid street food that might be unhygienic.
Proper Food Storage: Store food in clean, covered containers to prevent contamination.
Use Insect Repellents
Repellent Application: Apply insect repellent on exposed skin to ward off mosquito bites.
Mosquito Coils and Sprays: Use mosquito coils, sprays, and vaporizing mats in living areas, especially during the evening.
Use Mosquito Nets: Use mosquito nets and install screens on windows to prevent mosquito entry.
Immunization
Get Vaccinated for Influenza (Flu) every year before rainy season. You should also get Typhoid and Hepatitis A if you have not had it before.
Seek Early Medical Attention
Recognize Symptoms: Be aware of common symptoms of monsoon-related illnesses and seek early medical advice.
Timely Diagnosis: Get timely and accurate diagnosis and follow through with prescribed treatments to avoid complications.
Regular Health Check-ups: Consider regular health check-ups during the monsoon to catch any potential issues early.
Community Measures
Community Cleanliness: Participate in community clean-up drives to ensure public spaces are free of garbage and stagnant water. Spread awareness about monsoon diseases and preventive measures in your community.
By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, you can enjoy the monsoon season while keeping yourself and your community safe from common diseases. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay healthy!