Monsoon increases the risk of several infections. Waterlogging, stagnant water in several places provides germs perfect breeding ground and this makes human beings more vulnerable to life threatening infections.
Here’s a list of all infections and diseases one sees during monsoon season:
1) Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis outbreaks are common in India during monsoon season. This is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Sudden onset of diarrhea, often watery and accompanied by fever is a clear indication of gut infection. If not treated properly it can lead to complications like dehydration due to fluid loss, electrolyte imbalances, and in severe cases, kidney failure. Gastroenteritis spreads through consumption of contaminated food or water, houseflies vectors, exacerbated by poor hygiene and sanitation during the monsoon.
Prompt rehydration with oral rehydration solutions and management of symptoms through medications are essential.
2) Dengue
During India’s monsoon, dengue fever surges, 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, and potentially death, particularly in children and those with weakened immune systems. Prompt recognition of symptoms and timely treatment can save from complications.
3)Malaria
Malaria remains endemic in many parts of India. Malaria transmission peaks due to stagnant water breeding grounds for Anopheles mosquitoes, presenting symptoms such as recurrent high fever, chills, sweating, headache, nausea, and muscle aches. Sudden fever spikes and flu-like symptoms, often accompanied by shaking chills can be an indication of malaria infection. Untreated malaria can lead to severe anemia, respiratory distress, organ failure, and in severe cases, cerebral malaria causing coma or death.
4)Typhoid: During monsoon season in India, typhoid fever cases rise, presenting symptoms such as prolonged high fever, headache, abdominal pain, and weakness. In typhoid there is gradual onset of fever, often accompanied by loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, and rose-colored spots on the chest. Intestinal perforation, severe dehydration, and in untreated cases, potentially life-threatening septicemia can occur. Typhoid spreads through contaminated food and water sources, prevalent during the monsoon due to poor sanitation and flooding.
5) Flu/Influenza/Covid
Flu outbreaks are very common during the monsoon, and this is worsened by crowded indoor environments. 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. Influenza viruses spread easily in crowded indoor environments and through respiratory droplets. Monitoring for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing is crucial, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children.
6) Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis spreads through contact with water or soil contaminated with urine from infected animals, thriving in flooded areas. It has flu-like symptoms such as chills, vomiting, and conjunctival suffusion (red eyes). Complications can include liver and kidney damage, meningitis, and respiratory distress syndrome.
7)Fungal Infections
Due to extreme moisture and dampness, fungal infections such as ringworm, jock itch, and fungal nail infections increase during monsoon season in India, causing symptoms such as itching, redness, scaling, and discomfort in skin folds and between toes (athlete’s foot). Red patches or blisters, often accompanied by peeling skin should not be ignored. Fungi thrive in humid environments and damp clothing, exacerbating during the monsoon.
8) Scrub Typhus caused by tick bite and causing high fever with Multi organ involvement and sometimes serious complications is also more common in the wet season.
Several other viral infections like chicken pox, measles, herpes or fevers due to unspecified causes occur in the tropical areas in monsoons.