Protecting Your Health in Monsoon: Common Diseases and Preventive Measures

Dr. Hemalatha P., Consultant General Medicine, SUT Hospital, Pattom

Monsoon season brings relief from the summer heat but also creates favourable conditions for various diseases. Here are some common monsoon-related diseases and their preventive measures.

Viral Infections

• Causes: Spread through contact with infected persons or surfaces.
• Symptoms: Common cold, flu, cough, sore throat.
• Prevention: Avoid close contact with sick individuals, wash hands frequently, use tissues or elbows to cover coughs and sneezes.

Waterborne diseases

1. Cholera
   • Causes: Ingestion of water or food contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
   • Symptoms: Severe diarrhoea, dehydration, vomiting, rapid heart rate.
2. Typhoid Fever
   • Causes: Ingestion of food or water contaminated with Salmonella typhi bacteria.
   • Symptoms: High fever, weakness, stomach pains, headache, loss of appetite.
3. Hepatitis A
   • Causes: Ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Hepatitis A virus.
   • Symptoms: Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea.
4. Dysentery
   • Causes: Ingestion of water contaminated with Shigella bacteria or Entamoeba histolytica parasite.
   • Symptoms: Severe diarrhoea with blood or mucus, abdominal pain, fever.

Prevention of waterborne diseases: Drink safe, treated water; maintain good sanitation; practice good hand hygiene, maintain food hygiene; get vaccinated.

Mosquito-borne diseases

1. Malaria
   • Causes: Transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
   • Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
2. Dengue Fever
   • Causes: Caused by the dengue virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti.
   • Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, mild bleeding.
3. Chikungunya
   • Causes: Caused by the chikungunya virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
   • Symptoms: Sudden high fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, rash.

Prevention of Mosquito borne diseases: Use mosquito repellents, take anti-malarial medication if travelling to high-risk areas, eliminate breeding sites, use mosquito nets and wear protective clothing and eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

General Preventive Measures

• Water Safety: Drink purified, boiled or bottled water.
• Food Hygiene: Eat freshly cooked food, avoid street food, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Personal Hygiene: Wash hands regularly, especially before meals and after using the toilet.
• Clothing: Wear protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.
• Sanitation: Keep surroundings clean, dispose of waste properly, and ensure proper drainage to prevent water logging.

By taking these precautions, the risk of contracting monsoon-related diseases can be significantly reduced.