The Monsoon Dilemma

As the monsoon season starts to give relief from this scorching summer, it also brings with some seasonal diseases that can hamper our daily life. This season can give a respite in our life but the fact cannot be denied that rain could bring some rainy season diseases.

During this rainy season, human immune system is getting low due to seasonal changes. As rain comes after the hot summer days, the weather frequently changes but human body cannot be adjusted with the seasonal changes.  So we should be very much aware about our health. During this time, various infections and diseases tend to thrive, posing a risk to public health.

Some common diseases information is elaborately discussed below with the preventive actions:

Mosquito-borne diseases:

The monsoon weather might increase the risk of mosquito borne diseases in our life. Mosquitoes act as vectors, carrying and transmitting pathogens from one person or animal to another during their blood-feeding process.In this season mosquito breeding is increases due to water clogging due to heavy rains. So many diseases appear due to mosquitoes like: Malaria, Dengue, and Chikungunya.

Malaria: The female Anopheles mosquito transmits the Plasmodium species parasites responsible for malaria. Symptoms usually includehigh fever, chills, headache, body aches, and fatigue. If anyone experiences these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. It is important to address these symptoms and get proper treatment. In many serious cases, malaria can lead to complications such as organ failure, respiratory distress/deep breathing, severe anemia, convulsions, and neurological sequelae after cerebral malaria, and, in extreme cases, death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in the year 2021, there were an estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide.

Preventions:

• Use of mosquito nets while sleeping
• Use insecticides sprays in indoor residuals
• Using mosquito repellents
• Wear full sleeves clothes

Dengue:

It is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes to humans, and it is a very common disease related to mosquito bites. Dengue fever is an arboviral disease; caused by Dengue virus (DENV) which is transmitted by the bites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical climates. Dengue fever can be caused by any of the four antigenically distinct serotypes viz. DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and, DENV-4. Research indicates that approximately 390 million people worldwide are affected by this disease each year. The largest number of Dengue cases was reported globally in 2019.

Symptoms like: Fever, Muscle and Joint pain, Vomiting, Nausea, Rashes on skin, Headache, Pain behind the eyes are seen in the affected people. Though some people don’t have any symptom.

Preventions are as below described:

• Use clothes which can cover of the skin
• Do not sleep in open; always use mosquito nets while sleeping
• Mosquito repellents
• Use mosquitos prevent sprays, coils for the indoor spaces
• Keep water storage containers tightly covered
• Regular inspect of surroundings and avoid any stagnant water

Those who are already affected by Dengue, has to follow some precautions like:

• Drink water for enough body actions
• Take rest properly
• Take proper medicines as prescribed by doctors
• Eat much protein and vitamin.
• Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Chikungunya:

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV). he name ‘chikungunya’ comes from the Kimakonde language, meaning ‘to become contorted,’ referring to the twisted appearance of sufferers experiencing joint pain.Chikungunya virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes(Stegomyia) albopictus, which can also transmit dengue and Zika viruses. This disease is caused by the Chikungunya viruses. In 2023 as of June 7, 214317 cases and 281 deathswere reported worldwide. When an uninfected mosquito feeds on a person with circulating CHIKV in their blood, the mosquito can ingest the virus. Symptoms such as sudden joint pain and fever, vomiting, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and skin rashes can be observed in affected individuals.

Preventions:

There is currently no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Chikungunya. The main method to reduce transmission of Chikungunya is to control of mosquito vector.

Use of insecticides by spraying to kill the mosquitoes

Take care of the infected people very specially and be assured to avoid further mosquito bites. Because then the mosquito would carry the virus and can be the cause of more transmission of this disease.

Waterborne Diseases:

During the monsoon season, water contamination becomes a significant concern for diseases related to water. Common waterborne diseases such as Cholera, Diarrhea, Hepatitis A, Giardiasis, Dysentery, and Typhoid fevers can be found randomly. The most common symptoms of these diseases include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Preventive measures include:

• Drinking clean water
• Handwashing with soap and water before eating and after using the restroom
• Avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked food
• Properly maintaining and cleaning water storage containers and distribution systems

Influenza and Common Cold:

Due to the monsoon season and climate change, the humidity level increases in the air, becoming a major cause of the common cold and influenza. Both are highly contagious respiratory illnesses that can easily transmit to the human body during this rainy season. Common symptoms such as Body pain, joint and muscle pain, nausea, high fever, and headache may be present. Sometimes, regular medicines may not be effective against these illnesses, and prescribed tests are conducted for diagnosis.

Conclusions:

The monsoon season undoubtedly brings its share of health challenges. However, with awareness and simple preventive measures, we can safeguard ourselves from these common diseases. Moreover, in some serious cases, medical tests are conducted for proper diagnosis. Team Nirnayan offers a wide range of medical test lists to deal with this situation and maintain proper pathological services.