Monsoon 2024: With heavy downpours, waterlogged roads, and a much-needed respite from the heat, the monsoon season also increases the risk of several infections. Every year, during the monsoon season in India, several types of diseases become prevalent due to increased humidity, waterlogging, and other environment.
Here top 6 diseases that you can get this monsoon
- Dengue: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. According to the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) data till June 30 this year, India reported 32,091 dengue cases and 32 deaths. In 2023, India reported 2,89,235 dengue cases and 485 deaths. Every year, during the rainy season, India witnesses a surge in dengue cases, marked by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and a characteristic skin rash. In severe cases, dengue can progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), causing severe bleeding, organ impairment etc.
- Malaria: Malaria, another mosquito-borne disease, also increases every year in the monsoon season. As the rainy season begins, malaria cases escalate, presenting symptoms such as recurrent high fever, chills, sweating, headache, nausea, and muscle aches. According to the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) data till July this year, 113717 malaria cases and 22 deaths were reported in India.
- Typhoid: Caused by S. Typhi bacteria, typhoid is a water-borne disease that spreads because of poor sanitation. Eating uncovered or spoilt food and drinking contaminated water are the two major causes of typhoid. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint pain, and sore throat.
- Gastrointestinal infections: During monsoon, condition like vomiting, diarrhoea, and gastroenteritis also increases. These diseases are caused due to the consumption of stale, uncovered, or contaminated food and water. It is advised to boil water before drinking and keep all foods covered before consumption to avoid stomach infections.
- Jaundice: Another water-borne disease, Jaundice also becomes a cause of concern during monsoon. It is contracted through contaminated food and water, and poor sanitation. It causes liver dysfunction, along with symptoms like weakness and fatigue, yellow urine, yellowing of eyes, and vomiting.
- Influenza (Flu): Every monsoon, flu outbreaks are pretty common. Early signs of flu include chills, nasal congestion, and headache. Complications can include pneumonia, exacerbation of chronic medical conditions, and rarely, severe respiratory distress syndrome.
