Monsoon is the best season to enjoy. Finally, the scorching heat ends, bringing pleasant weather. The Rain God showers us with well-awaited droplets of heaven.
People relish seasonal delicacies, and there is no more water shortage. However, beware of the diseases common during the monsoon season, and take care of your health.
There are certain diseases prevalent in the monsoon season. Dr Pawan Kumar Goyal, Senior Director – Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh helps us understand the common diseases, their symptoms, and how to prevent them.
MONSOON FEVER
Monsoon fever, also known as seasonal fever or rainy season fever, describes various illnesses that become more prevalent during the monsoon season. The heavy rains and high humidity create favorable conditions for the spread of certain infections, particularly mosquito-borne diseases and water-borne illnesses. Here are some key aspects of monsoon fever:
Symptoms
Symptoms of monsoon fevers can vary depending on the specific illness but often include:
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (for water-borne diseases)
PRIMARY CAUSES OF MONSOON FEVER
Mosquito-Borne Diseases:
Malaria
Caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and vomiting.
Dengue Fever
Caused by the dengue virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms range from mild fever to severe flu-like illness (dengue hemorrhagic fever) with potentially fatal complications.
Chikungunya
Caused by the chikungunya virus, also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain, often accompanied by rash and headache.
Zika Virus
Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, Zika virus infection can cause mild fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. It is of particular concern for pregnant women due to potential birth defects.
WATER-BORNE DISEASES
Typhoid Fever
Caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, usually spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include prolonged fever, headache, constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes a rose-colored skin rash.
Cholera
Caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, transmitted through contaminated water or food. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps, leading to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Leptospirosis
Caused by Leptospira bacteria, transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated with urine of infected animals (especially rodents). Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to severe body aches and vomiting.
VIRAL RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
Influenza
: Seasonal flu viruses can circulate more easily during the monsoon due to increased human contact in enclosed spaces. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.
Other Infections: