The rainy season, with its refreshing showers and lush greenery, brings relief from the scorching summer heat. However, this season also heralds the arrival of various health challenges. The increased humidity and stagnant water provide a perfect breeding ground for pathogens, leading to a rise in mosquito borne diseases, water borne diseases, and other rainy season diseases. Today, we will explore the top five common diseases during the rainy season and offer tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
A top super speciality hospital in Indore can help you tackle these diseases in an effective manner. Consider visiting one today to tackle and address any issues that you, or your family, might be facing.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever, a mosquito borne disease, is a major concern during the rainy season. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the dengue virus, breeds in stagnant water. This makes the rainy season an ideal time for these mosquitoes to multiply.
Symptoms:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting
Prevention:
To protect yourself from dengue, eliminate standing water around your home, use mosquito repellents, and sleep under mosquito nets. Wearing long sleeves and pants can also reduce the risk of mosquito bites. If symptoms persist, visit a super speciality hospital in Indore as soon as possible.
Statistics:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 390 million dengue infections occur annually, with about 96 million resulting in clinical manifestations.
Malaria
Another significant mosquito borne disease is malaria. The Anopheles mosquito is the breed that’s responsible for the spread of this disease. This disease remains a major public health challenge in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Symptoms:
- High fever
- Chills and sweats
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
Prevention:
Prevent malaria by using insecticide-treated bed nets, applying mosquito repellent, and taking antimalarial medications if recommended by a healthcare provider. It’s also crucial to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito-biting hours, typically from dusk to dawn.
Statistics:
The WHO estimates that there were 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, with over 400,000 deaths, mostly among children in Africa.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a water borne disease that’s spread by bacteria that’s commonly encountered in polluted water. It is common during the rainy season when people come into contact with floodwaters, puddles, or contaminated soil.
Symptoms:
- High fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Red eyes
- Abdominal pain
Prevention:
Avoid coming in contact with potentially contaminated water. Wear protective clothing and footwear if you need to walk through floodwaters. Ensure that your living and working environments are clean and free from rodent infestations, as rodents are common carriers of leptospirosis.
Statistics:
Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease, with an estimated 1.03 million cases and nearly 59,000 deaths annually, according to a study published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Cholera
Cholera is another water borne disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated water and food, making it a serious threat during the rainy season when water sources are often polluted.
Symptoms:
- Watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Dry mucous membranes
- Low blood pressure
- Thirst
Prevention:
Maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and clean water. Drink only boiled or bottled water, and avoid consuming raw or undercooked food. Ensure that food is properly stored and prepared in sanitary conditions.
Fungal and Skin Infections
The increased humidity and damp conditions during the rainy season can lead to various skin infections and fungal diseases. These conditions can affect people of all ages and can be quite uncomfortable.
Symptoms:
- Itching
- Redness
- Rashes
- Blisters
- Scaling or peeling skin
- Cracked skin
Prevention:
Keep your skin dry and clean, especially in areas prone to sweating. Wear breathable clothing and avoid sharing personal items such as towels and footwear. Use antifungal powders or creams as a preventive measure if you are prone to fungal infections.
Common Infections:
- Athlete’s foot
- Ringworm
- Yeast infections
- Eczema flare-ups
Treatment:
If you develop a skin infection, consult a dermatologist or visit a hospital in Indore for appropriate treatment. Prompt attention can prevent the infection from worsening and spreading.
Conclusion
The rainy season, while beautiful, necessitates extra caution to stay healthy. By understanding the common diseases during this time and taking preventive measures, you can enjoy the rains without falling prey to illnesses. Remember, mosquito borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, and water borne diseases like leptospirosis and cholera, are preventable with the right precautions. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene can help you avoid skin infections.
For more health tips and information, or if you need medical assistance, consider visiting a reputed super speciality hospital in Indore. Get expert care and services to help you manage and prevent these common rainy season diseases.