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Most Common Monsoon Diseases – Causes, Symptoms and Prevention Tips

07 September, 2019

Monsoon in India is a pleasant season, but it comes with a host of viral infections and diseases. Monsoon diseases are caused by infected bacterium and viruses which can be avoided by taking precautions. A weak human digestive system makes an individual highly susceptible to diseases during monsoon. From simple cold and flu to complex dengue and malaria, occurrences of these diseases are very common during the such a season. These conditions can cause a range of problems leading to hospitalization or even death in some cases.

 

Here’s a list of common monsoon diseases, its symptoms, causes, and prevention tips.

 

1. Dengue

Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus. Aedes aegypti is the primary vector which is responsible for transmitting the virus that leads to break bone fever.

 

High fever, a stomach infection, skin rashes, body pain, vomiting, pain behind the eyes are some of the symptoms of dengue. If not treated at the right time, an individual may suffer from dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal.

 

The best possible way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites and take proper treatment at an early stage if diagnosed. Use nets while sleeping and avoid mosquitoes breeding inside the house. Stay home when there is a dengue outbreak in nearby areas.

 

2. Viral fever

Viral fever is a common disease throughout this season. It is caused by infection with the virus which multiplies in a human body leading to a sudden increase in the body temperature.

 

Body aches, burning eyes, high fever, weakness, chills, sudden sweating, and joint pain are some of the common symptoms of this disease. Viral fever can generally last from 3-7 days and can be treated through proper treatment.

 

This condition is not fatal, but proper precautions should be taken on time. You should drink lots of water to stay hydrated and avoid outside food as much as possible. Also, try staying away from infected people.

 

3. Malaria

Malaria is another common monsoon ailment which is transmitted due tofemale anopheles mosquito, breeding in the waterlogged areas. The parasite is transmitted to a person through the bites of an infected mosquito.

 

This life-threatening disease is characterized by shivers, abdominal pain, muscle ache, vomiting, high fever, and yellow skin.

 

Avoid mosquito bites and keep your surroundings clean as a safety measure. Use insect repellents, mosquito repellents and go for long-sleeved clothes to stay protected. Incorporate intact mosquito net in the house.

 

 

4. Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a common viral infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes during monsoon. Caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), this viral disease spreads from person to person through Aedes mosquito bites and contact with the blood.

 

Symptoms of Chikungunya range from high fever to intense muscle pain, fatigue, rashes, headache, and nausea. Chikungunya is rarely fatal and can be treated through proper treatment.

 

Prevent mosquitos to bread in your surrounding and take the right steps to control mosquitoes. Use mosquito repellent to protect yourself from the mosquito bites. Wear long pants and long-sleeved clothes and stay indoors as much as possible.

 

5. Cholera

Cholera is an acute waterborne infectious disease caused by Vibrio Cholera virus. It is caused by the infection of the intestine, which typically spreads after consuming infected food or water.

 

Cholera can lead to severe condition of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in a person. Low blood pressure, thirst, muscle cramps, rapid heart rate are some other common symptoms of the disease.

Drink boiled water to keep the Vibrio bacterium at bay. Avoid consuming items that are exposed to the outer surrounding for a longer time, as it may contain harmful germs. Take hygiene seriously! Cholera can be easily handled through proper medication and treatments.

 

6. Typhoid

Typhoid endemic is very popular during the monsoon. It is caused due to poor sanitary conditions. Typhoid is spread by Salmonella typhi bacterium which enters the blood mainstream by the ingestion of contaminated water or food. 

 

Signs of high fever, lethargy, body pain, vomiting, poor appetite, dry cough, weight loss, and diarrhoea appear in a Typhoid infected person. Typhoid easily spreads through contaminated water/food or getting in close contact with the infected person. It lasts for 7-10 days and can be treated through antibiotic therapy.

 

Avoid drinking contaminated water or eating food without washing hands. Personal hygiene is a must and is always recommended. Carry a sanitizer where water is not available.

 

 

Monsoon in India comes with varieties of airborne and water-borne disease and hence, it is important to enjoy monsoons with the best health insurance policy and Arogya Sanjeevani Policy. A mediclaim insurance comes with benefits of medication, hospitalization and other covers. When sick, opt for cashless hospitals as it settles the amount directly with the insurance company or the provider.

 

FAQs

 

What are the monsoon diseases in babies and kids?

Rainy season diseases not only affect the adults but also plague children and babies. Typhoid, a waterborne disease, is commonly found in babies. It is caused due to the intake of unhygienic food and water. Babies also suffer from a contagious disease, Influenza, wherein the virus enters the body through the nose and affects the upper respiratory tract. Babies suffering from skin infections like scabies are common during monsoons. This contagious disease is caused by parasitic miles and can be spread by skin to skin contact. When exposed to harmful germs and virus, babies may also suffer from dengue, cold and flu, stomach infections and cholera.

 

Which monsoon diseases are communicable?

The arrival of monsoon comes with a risk of highly communicable diseases. Malaria, diarrhoea, chikungunya fever, cold and flu, stomach infections are some of them. Communicable diseases are generally spread through contaminated food or water. Treatments of communicable diseases are very easy if the disease is detected at the right time, and the treatment is started at the earliest. Keep yourself hydrated, avoid outside food, wash your hands before you eat, use sanitizers, apply mosquito creams and drink boiled water to remain safe and healthy during the rainy season. Stay away from the infected person as the virus can transfer from one person to another easily.

 

What are seasonal diseases?

Seasonal diseases arise due to the changing environmental weather and can be categorized as winter disease, monsoon disease, and summer disease. Seasonal diseases are highly contagious, and hence, it is important to detect them at the earliest. The chances of seasonal diseases spreading, increase due to polluted air, water and food. Cold, cough, asthma and body pain are commonly seen in winter. Cholera, typhoid, influenza, stomach infections are popular waterborne disease observed during monsoons. Summer comes with a risk of heart stroke, chickenpox, diarrhoea, measles, and typhoid.