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A welcome respite from the scorching summer heat, it brings lush greenery, the pitter-patter of raindrops, and a surge in seasonal illnesses. But fear not, fellow rain lovers! By being informed and taking preventive measures, you can navigate the 4 types of water-related diseases we discussed below and other common diseases in the monsoon season. Here, we delve into 10 common monsoon diseases and equip you with the knowledge to stay healthy.
10 Common Monsoon Diseases
Here are 10 waterborne diseases list that commonly affect people during monsoon season.
1. Dengue Fever
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Cause: Dengue virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (often called "tiger mosquitoes" due to their black and white stripes).
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Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, and a characteristic skin rash.
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Prevention: Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around your home (clear stagnant water, use mosquito nets and repellents, and wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours) for the prevention of chikungunya.
2. Chikungunya
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Cause: Chikungunya virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
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Symptoms: High fever, severe joint and muscle pain (often debilitating), headache, fatigue, and nausea.
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Prevention: Similar to Dengue prevention (take mosquito control measures and ensure that there are no breeding grounds for mosquitoes).
3. Malaria
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Cause: Plasmodium parasite transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.
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Symptoms: Fever, chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
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Prevention: Use mosquito nets and repellents, avoid stagnant water, wear protective clothing, and consider antimalarial medication if travelling to high-risk areas.
4. Viral Fever
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Cause: Various viruses including influenza and common cold viruses.
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Symptoms: Fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches, and fatigue are some of the viral fever symptoms.
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Prevention: Frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, maintaining good hygiene, and getting seasonal flu vaccinations.
5. Typhoid Fever
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Cause: Salmonella typhi bacteria, spread through contaminated food and water.
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Typhoid Symptoms: High fever, headache, weakness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. Typhoid fever treatment includes the consumption of antibiotics, proper nutrition and supportive care measures like intravenous fluids, and medications to manage fever and pain.
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Prevention: Practice safe food and water hygiene (drink boiled or filtered water to avoid diseases caused by contaminated water, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoid street food of questionable origin).
6. Cholera
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Cause: Vibrio cholerae bacteria, spread through contaminated food and water.
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Symptoms: Severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, muscle cramps, and weakness.
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Prevention: Similar to Typhoid prevention (maintain good hygiene and sanitation).
7. Leptospirosis
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Cause: Leptospira bacteria spread through contact with contaminated water or rat urine.
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Symptoms: High fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and red eyes.
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Prevention: Avoid wading in contaminated water, wear protective footwear while outdoors, and practice good rodent control measures around your home.
8. Gastrointestinal Infections
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Cause: Bacteria or viruses spread through contaminated food and water.
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Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration.
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Prevention: Maintain food hygiene (wash hands before eating, cook food thoroughly, avoid undercooked meat), and drink safe water.
9. Skin Infections
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Cause: Fungal or bacterial infections due to increased moisture and humidity.
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Symptoms: Ringworm (itchy, red, circular patches on the skin), athlete's foot (itching, burning, and scaling between toes), and folliculitis (pimple-like bumps around hair follicles).
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Prevention: Keep skin dry, wear loose-fitting cotton clothes, avoid tight shoes, and maintain good personal hygiene.
10. Common Cold
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Cause: Common Cold is mainly caused by Rhinoviruses spread through respiratory droplets.
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Symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, headache, and mild body aches.
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Prevention: Frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, maintaining good hygiene, and getting enough sleep to strengthen your immune system.
Consult our infectious disease hospital in Pune if you need more tips on the prevention of monsoon diseases.
Prevention From Water-borne Diseases
Here are some steps you can follow for the prevention of waterborne diseases:
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Drink safe water: This is the most crucial step. Ideally, consume treated tap water or bottled water from reputable brands. If unsure about the safety of tap water, boil it for at least 1 minute at a rolling boil to kill harmful bacteria and parasites.
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Beware of ice: Ice cubes can be a source of contamination, especially from street vendors. Avoid using ice in beverages unless you're confident about its origin.
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Beware of pre-cut or washed fruits and vegetables: Unless you can be certain the water used for washing was safe, avoid pre-cut or washed fruits and vegetables sold by street vendors. Wash them thoroughly yourself with clean, treated water.
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Beware of street food: Unless you're confident about the hygiene practices of the vendor, avoid street food, especially undercooked meat or seafood.
Conclusion
Prevention is key! By incorporating these tips into your monsoon routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling prey to these seasonal illnesses. Boost your body's natural defences by consuming a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Don't forget to stay hydrated and get enough sleep! If you experience any concerning symptoms, consult our expert doctor in Pune for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Let's embrace the monsoon season with a splash of knowledge and a dash of caution! Stay healthy, stay happy! You may also visit our official blog page to read the latest blogs shared by our doctors on trending topics.
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