Monsoon Diseases: Common Diseases in Rainy Season

Some diseases are more prevalent during the monsoon season because of the humid and moist air. These are called "monsoon diseases" and can affect persons of any age. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites are responsible for their transmission. Some of the diseases are mild, while others can be complicated and result in major health issues and even hospitalisations.

This blog discusses the common monsoon diseases, their symptoms and ways to avoid them.

Key Hig​​hlights

• The monsoon season increases the risk of numerous diseases due to favourable climatic circumstances.
• Malaria, dengue fever, and leptospirosis are among the most common monsoon infections.
• Personal hygiene, keeping a clean environment, and getting immediate medical assistance are critical preventive strategies.
• Staying educated and adopting early measures can assist in safeguarding you and your families throughout the monsoon season.

Factors that Ca​​use a Rise in Monsoon Diseases

Some of the major factors responsible for the transmission and increased prevalence of monsoon diseases are as follows -

• Stagnant water is ideal for disease-carrying mosquitoes. They transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
• Poor sanitation: Inadequate waste management and filthy living conditions spread waterborne illnesses. Examples include leptospirosis and cholera.
• Environmental elements such as high humidity, warmth, and organic matter promote pathogen growth. This makes the monsoon infections easily transmissible.

Also Read - Here's a quick guide to navigating monsoon maladies

Types of M​onsoon Diseases

There are two main types of monsoon diseases – water-borne and vector-borne diseases.

Waterbor​ne Diseases

infections such as cholera, hepatitis, and typhoid are prevalent during the monsoon season. They are spread by polluted water or inadequate sanitation.

Vector-Borne D​iseases

Mosquitoes and pests transmit vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and leptospirosis. These diseases are more common in the rainy season.

Also Read - Know more about vector-borne fevers

Common Diseases in Rainy Season

Given below are the commonly found monsoon diseases and their respective symptoms -

Mala​ria

Malaria is a deadly disease transmitted by mosquitos. It is critical to understand the symptoms, how to prevent them, and how to treat them.

Sympto​​ms & Prevention 

Malaria symptoms include fever, chills, and a flu-like sensation. To avoid malaria, use insect repellent, sleep under treated nets, and keep your skin covered when going outside.

Dengue Fev​er: A Viral Threat

Dengue fever is a severe sickness transmitted by Aedes mosquitos. It can cause anything from a low fever to potentially fatal complications.

Symptom​​s

The primary symptoms include a high fever, severe headaches, muscular and joint discomfort, and a skin rash. In severe circumstances, it might cause dengue haemorrhagic fever. This can result in bleeding, organ damage, or shock.

Transmission an​d Prevention 

Mosquitos thrive in warm environments and are active during the day. To avoid dengue fever, stop mosquito reproduction and use insect repellent. Follow the below steps to avoid dengue:

• Eliminate standing water around the house to minimise mosquito breeding.
• Use insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon and eucalyptus, etc.
• Install window and door screens to keep mosquitos out of your home.
• When you're outside, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Leptos​​pirosis

Leptospirosis is a severe bacterial infection. It can spread by contact with contaminated water or soil. This disease is particularly common during the rainy season when rain and flooding promote bacteria growth.

Risk Factors a​​nd Transmission 

Rats, mice, and other rodents have Leptospira bacteria in their urine. These bacteria can enter the human body via cuts, abrasions, or mucous membranes.

Preventi​on

Keeping clean and avoiding infectious locations can help prevent leptospirosis. Wearing protective clothing, staying away from stagnant water, and consulting a doctor if symptoms appear can reduce the chance of contracting this infection.

Stomach I​​nfection

Stomach infections are caused by consuming contaminated food and liquids. Gastroenteritis is a common stomach infection that develops throughout this season. In this scenario, it is recommended that you drink plenty of boiled water and eat homemade foods.

Sympt​​oms

Symptoms may include Low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps/pain and diarrhoea.

Chole​ra

Cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection that spreads rapidly through polluted water.

Sympt​​oms

It produces extreme diarrhoea and vomiting, requiring emergency medical attention.

Hepati​tis

Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, can also be transmitted by contaminated water or food.

Symp​​toms

The main symptom is flu-like illness, which can lead to extreme weakness in the body.

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella bacterium, is another prevalent ailment during the monsoons. It spreads through contaminated water and food.

Sympt​​oms

Common symptoms are fever, headaches, and stomach pain.

Chikung​​unya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

Sympto​​ms

Main symptoms include joint discomfort, fever, and rashes.

Influe​​nza

Typically, this results from variations in the weather and temperature. This is a disease that can spread from person to person and become a viral infection, therefore you need to safeguard yourself against it.

Sympto​​​ms

Symptoms may include High temperature, sore muscles, headache, sweating, congestion in the nose, a dry and persistent cough sore throat.

Diarrho​​​​ea

One of the most typical health issues during the monsoon season is diarrhoea. It can be a transient issue or something that could endanger life. Drinking unclean water and food can contribute to this.

Sympto​​ms

Symptoms may include Watery, loose stools, cramping in the abdomen, High temperature, vomiting, stool containing blood and bloating.

Also Read - Your guide to breathing easy during the monsoon

Prevention ​of Monsoon Diseases

To keep yourself and your family safe from monsoon infections, you must act promptly. One important method is to ensure hygiene and maintain proper sanitation around the place you are living. Some important preventive measures are as follows -

Personal Hygiene​​ and Sanitation 

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is important. It helps to prevent germs and bacteria from spreading. To safeguard your health during the rainy season, ensure to properly dispose of waste, consume clean water, and maintain cleanliness.

Environmental​ Cleanliness

Standing water should be removed immediately as it can attract disease-carrying mosquitos. Clean up your region regularly, properly dispose of garbage, and prevent mosquitos from breeding.

Battling M​onsoon Diseases With Cleanliness and Knowledge

For several reasons, the monsoon season is also known as the flu season. The season is ideal for the growth of dangerous bacteria due to the humid weather conditions, stagnant water, and wet areas. Therefore, maintaining clean surroundings, practising good hygiene, and leading a healthy lifestyle are crucial to lowering the risk of monsoon diseases.

Also, buy a health insurance plan so that if the condition worsens and you seek hospitalisation, you don’t have to worry about the medical costs. You can get quality healthcare affordably with Reliance General Insurance’s comprehensive health insurance plans. Moreover, with the right plan, you can get coverage for OPD (outpatient) expenses too like doctor’s consultations, medicines, diagnostic tests, etc.

So, practice proper hygiene and buy a health plan to be doubly protected against the incidence of monsoon diseases.

FA​Qs

Q1. Why is monsoon season​​ a higher risk for viral fever? 

Microorganisms can develop and spread through the air d​​ue to the rapid change in weather and moisture in the air.

Q2. How should I protect my​​self while travelling during the monsoon season?

To protect oneself from infections while travelling during the monsoon season, wear full-sleeved clothing and long pants and use mosquito repellent, hand sanitizer, and masks.

Q3. Is there a mons​​oon illness vaccine?

Immunisations against influenza, hepatitis A and typhoid fever are available, however, not all parts of the world have access to dengue vaccinations.

Q4.Can monsoon disea​​ses result in hospitalisation? 

Some diseases like hepatiti​​s, typhoid, dengue, etc. can turn severe and might result in hospitalisation for proper medical care.

Q5. What are the most impo​rtant preventative steps for monsoon diseases? 

Maintain a clean atmosphere and practice excellent hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, to prevent monsoon infections. To lower the risk of illness, remove standing water, ens​​ure proper disposal of waste, and control insect breeding.​