10 Most Common Monsoon Diseases in India - Prevention and Precautions

After the summer heat, the monsoon season is eagerly awaited and brings much relief. Rains are a relief from the heat, but they also bring various diseases with them. With every monsoon season, the risk of catching various illnesses increases. Maintaining basic hygiene, like washing hands with soap and sanitization, helps prevent monsoon diseases. There is increased exposure to multiple microorganisms like viruses and bacteria, resulting in the transmission of several diseases, which is higher during the monsoon than anytime else. An early diagnosis can prevent unwanted complications; in some cases, death and a few basic preventive and hygiene measures can keep you safe. The monsoons are the most fertile breeding season for mosquitoes and microorganisms. Humidity, stagnant water, and mud are where multiple viruses and bacteria thrive, increasing the risk of infections. Fever is a common symptom of most diseases. Hence, the correct diagnosis and treatment will help you recover early. Mosquitoes, air, contaminated food and water are primary sources of diseases. We have listed some common diseases that are highly prevalent during this season that you should be aware of.

1. Malaria

• It is caused by plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is a life-threatening disease.
• It is preventable and curable but accounts for more than 4 lakh deaths globally.
• It peaks during and just after the rainy season. Generally10 - 15 days after the infective mosquito bite, a patient might start showing Malaria symptoms, which can include:
• Body ache
• Headaches
• Decrease in body temperature with excessive sweating
• High fever
• Moderate to severe chills
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Weakness

Malaria preventive measures: 

Prevent malaria by protecting yourself from mosquito bites by applying insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing, as mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants outdoors and at night, use a mosquito net over the bed, and spray mosquito repellent insecticide in your bedroom before sleeping.

2. Dengue

• This is also transmitted by female mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegypti.
• Mild flu-like illness is typical of the dengue virus. However, this develops into a life-threatening complication called dengue hemorrhagic fever.
• After the bite from an infected mosquito, there is an incubation period of 4 - 10 days, and the symptoms usually persist for 2 - 7 days.
• Dengue is suspected when there is an intermittent high fever and has any two of the following signs and symptoms:
• Low platelet count
• Nausea
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Exhaustion
• Muscle and joint aches

Dengue Preventive measures:

Prevent dengue by protecting yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants while outdoors and at night, applying insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing as mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, using a mosquito net over the bed, spraying mosquito repellent insecticide in your bedroom before sleeping.

3. Chikungunya

• Chikungunya means that which bends up and is called so because of its arthritis-like symptoms.
• It is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegypti and is also caused by the chikungunya virus.
• Chikungunya occurs mostly in Asia and India. According to statistics, India has been known to report more than 62,000 cases in previous years.
• Chikungunya symptoms usually appear 4-8 days later after a bite from the infected mosquito and include:
• Pain in joints and bones
• Stiffness

Chikungunya Preventive measures: 

Prevent Chikungunya by protecting yourself from mosquito bites by spraying mosquito repellent insecticide in your bedroom before sleeping, using a mosquito net over the bed, applying insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing as mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants while outdoors and at night.

4. Hepatitis A

• Caused by the Hepatitis A virus, this is a highly contagious liver infection.
• Being a waterborne viral infection, it is generally caused by drinking contaminated water or food infected with the virus from the stool of someone already infected.
• Flies are also known to spread the virus. Consuming foods contaminated while handling causes the infection to spread.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include:

• Jaundice
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Fever
• Fatigue

Hepatitis A Preventive measures: 

Prevent Hepatitis A by always keeping your hands clean by washing your hands with soap after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before cooking or eating food.

5. Typhoid

• Caused by Salmonella Typhi. This is a life-threatening infection.
• This is also a waterborne infection that usually spreads through food or contaminated water, uncovered or spoilt.
• As per reports, more than 10 million are affected by this virus, and globally, more than 1 lakh people die from it.

Symptoms of typhoid fever include:

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Headache
• Prolonged fever

Typhoid Preventive measures: 

Prevent typhoid by getting vaccinated, avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, avoiding undercooked food, boiling water before drinking, and washing your hands with soap before eating.

6. Gastroenteritis

• Food poisoning, along with gastroenteritis, is expected during the monsoons.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis are:

• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Malaise
• Weakness

Gastroenteritis Preventive measures: 

Prevent Gastroenteritis by avoiding contaminated water, especially when travelling, cook food well before eating, avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables, and wash your hands with soap before eating.

7. Cholera

• Cholera is caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, which is found in contaminated food or water.
• Cholera can lead to death within hours if not given proper treatment.
• As per reports, there are up to 4 million cholera cases annually.
• People infected with cholera show mild symptoms, including:
• Watery loose motions
• Severe dehydration

Cholera Preventive measures: 

Prevent cholera by avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, cooking food well before eating, washing your hands with soap before eating and drinking safe water by boiling it.

8. Leptospirosis

• The bacteria Leptospira causes leptospirosis, which affects humans and animals.
• The urine of animals is a medium for the spread of the bacteria.
• It occurs mostly due to contact with dirty water, muck, and mud.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include:

• High fever
• Headache
• Chills

Leptospirosis Preventive measures: 

Prevent Leptospirosis by not swimming in stagnant water where animals are washed. Use pest control to keep away rodents, as they are the main carriers.

9. Cold

• Temperature changes during the rainy season can cause common colds and viral infections.
• People with a weaker immune system are more prone to contracting the common cold.

Signs of common cold are:

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Watery eyes
• Fever
• Chills

Cold Preventive measures: 

Prevent the common cold by avoiding close contact with sick people, wash your hands with soap before touching your face, and don’t smoke.

10. Influenza

• Most commonly called the seasonal flu, it is caused by influenza viruses.
• Highly contagious, it spreads by droplets

Signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Muscle ache
• Fatigue
• Vomiting

Influenza Preventive measures: 

Prevent Influenza by keeping your hands clean by washing them with soap before touching your face, avoiding close contact with sick people, sleeping well and exercising.
If you show signs and symptoms of high fever, nausea, rash, vomiting, or loose stools, please consult a doctor immediately to avoid further complications.