The monsoon season might seem like a respite after the scorching summer heat, but it is also the time when several diseases are on the rise. In India, the monsoon season arrives in the month of June and lasts till September. It refreshes everyone, but the weather remains humid and it is ideal for germs to flourish and a perfect breeding time for mosquitoes. Deadly diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya and Typhoid are common diseases during the rainy season and almost all of these present with a few common symptoms like fever, weakness and body ache.

List of monsoon diseases that cause fever:

Dengue – Every year in India, many people die due to dengue. There are 1,64,103 dengue cases reported in 2021. It is spread by the female Aedes mosquitoes and they usually bite during the daytime or before dusk. The symptoms of this disease include high fever followed by body aches. The affected individual may also experience excessive sweating and headaches, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, rashes, mild bleeding and low blood pressure. In severe cases, there may be less urination and breathlessness in the patients. There is a risk of a drop in platelet count during dengue which can prove fatal if not addressed timely.

Chikungunya – This particular disease in the rainy season is also spread by mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are usually found in overhead tanks, coolers, plants and water pipes. This infectious disease is also carried by the tiger mosquito, Aedes. A chikungunya patient experiences symptoms like acute joint pain, high fever, fatigue and body chills. Certain complications of the disease include inflammation of the retina, heart muscle, liver, kidneys and more.

Malaria – This disease in monsoon is caused by mosquitoes as well. Water clogging during the rainy season is a major breeding ground for mosquitoes. The symptoms of this disease are high fever, shivering and body chills, excess sweating and severe anaemia. It is important to address these symptoms and get proper treatment. Otherwise, it may cause health complications like cerebral malaria, which leads to death among malaria patients, seizures, renal failure, jaundice and respiratory disorders may also occur.

Typhoid – It is one of the highly infectious monsoon-related diseases. It is caused due to contaminated food and water and the symptoms include prolonged high fever, weakness, abdominal pain, reduced appetite and others. Without proper treatment, there may be several complications in typhoid fever.

Influenza – The sudden change in weather and fluctuation in temperature can cause influenza. This is a viral infection that can spread from one person to another. The symptoms of this disease include fever, muscle aches, sore throat, nasal congestion and dry, persistent cough. The disease can worsen if left untreated. It may cause pneumonia and trigger other chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. 

There are several other monsoon illnesses that occur during the monsoon season, including diarrhoea, due to drinking contaminated water or food, which causes fever. So this monsoon season, you must be well prepared to protect yourself against these health problems. There is a need for extra care and awareness during the rainy season.

How to save yourself from fever during the rainy season?

In the rainy season, the risk of infection and fever is more common and our immune system must be boosted to fight these diseases. Here are a few tips to follow in order to prevent these diseases during the rainy season:

• Make sure that you and your family members are vaccinated.
• Eat more nutritious food and avoid consuming junk food. 
• Stay hydrated and drink warm and clean water. 
• Take vitamins to keep your immune function on point.
• Wash hands frequently and maintains personal hygiene. 
• Keep your surroundings clean and destroy the breeding grounds for mosquitoes. 
• Using a mosquito repellent, mosquito net and protective clothing are a must.
• Wear a mask while stepping out to avoid the spread of infectious diseases such as flu and cough. 

Mosquito borne illnesses are preventable by mosquito nets, while influenza can be prevented by taking yearly Influenza vaccine shot 1 month before rainy season.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

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If you encounter severe stomach ache, with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea during monsoon without any factors related to food, this should be suspicion of consumption of unclean water which is commonly known to cause bacterial diarrhea and associated illnesses during monsoon.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Conclusion:

During the rainy season, we are at an increased risk of exposure to infections and illnesses that cause fever. Several viruses and bacteria multiply and infect humans during this season. This may interrupt and affect your daily activities to a large extent. It is important to know what illnesses commonly attack during the monsoon in India and how to prevent them. As soon as you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult the doctor and get yourself tested to avoid further health complications.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.