Common Illnesses During Monsoons In India
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Jun 3, 2026 Published on: Jun 22, 2022
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By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Table of Contents
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, Typhoid and Cholera are common diseases during the rainy season1, and almost all of these present with a few common symptoms like fever, weakness, and body ache.
Every year in India, many people die due to dengue. There are 121824 dengue cases reported in 20252. It is spread by the infected 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 headaches, abdominal pain, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, rashes, bleeding gums or nose3. In severe cases, there may be less urination, breathlessness, and low blood pressure in the patients. There is a risk of a drop in platelet count during dengue, which can prove fatal if not addressed in a timely manner.
This particular disease in the rainy season is also spread by mosquitoes. These mosquitoes that spread chikungunya breed in stagnant water found in overhead tanks, coolers, plants, and water pipes. This infectious disease is primarily transmitted by infected tiger mosquitoes, Aedes. A chikungunya patient may experience symptoms like acute joint pain, high fever, fatigue, muscle pain, rashes, and chills4. It can cause complications affecting the eyes, heart, liver, kidneys, and more.
This disease in the monsoon is caused by mosquitoes as well. Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes5. Water clogging during the rainy season can be a major breeding ground for mosquitoes. Common symptoms of malaria are high fever, shivering and body chills, excess sweating, fatigue, and body aches. If left untreated, the disease may progress to severe malaria and lead to complications such as severe anaemia, cerebral malaria, seizures, kidney failure, jaundice, and respiratory distress5. It is important to address these symptoms and get proper treatment.
Also Read: Malaria: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
It is one of the highly infectious monsoon-related diseases.”Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi.” It is caused by contaminated food and water, and the individual can present with symptoms including prolonged high fever, weakness, abdominal pain6, reduced appetite, diarrhea, constipation, and others. Without proper treatment, there may be several complications in typhoid fever.
Also Read: All You Need To Know About Typhoid!
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It can spread through the consumption of contaminated food or water and is more common during the monsoon season.
The symptoms of cholera may include sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, muscle cramps, and weakness. In severe cases, rapid loss of body fluids can lead to low blood pressure, shock, and even death if treatment is not provided promptly.
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. Influenza can show symptoms like fever, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, and dry, persistent cough7. The disease can worsen if left untreated. It may cause pneumonia and trigger other chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection commonly seen during the monsoon due to exposure to floodwater contaminated with animal urine. The infection can occur when contaminated water or soil comes into contact with cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It may cause high fever, severe muscle pain (especially in the calves), headache, red eyes, and vomiting9. In severe cases, it may affect the liver and kidneys, leading to jaundice, reduced urine output, and breathlessness. Early medical treatment is important to prevent serious complications.
Gastroenteritis is caused by infection from contaminated food or water, which becomes more common during the rainy season. It can present with symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, and weakness10. Severe cases can lead to dehydration with dizziness, dry mouth, and reduced urine output. Timely fluid replacement and medical care are important, especially for children and elderly people.
Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection during the monsoon caused by viral or bacterial infection and spreads easily through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. It leads to redness of the eyes, watery discharge, itching, irritation, and mild swelling of the eyelids. Some individuals may also feel a gritty sensation or sensitivity to light. Although it is usually self-limiting, worsening symptoms, thick discharge, or blurred vision require medical attention. Maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding the sharing of towels, handkerchiefs, or eye cosmetics can help prevent the spread of infection11.
There are several other monsoon illnesses that occur during the monsoon season, particularly those associated with contaminated water or food, which may cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration8. 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.
If you encounter severe symptoms during monsoon without any factors related to food, this should be suspected of consumption of contaminated water, which is commonly known to cause bacterial diarrhoea and associated illnesses during monsoon.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
The table below will help you understand clearly the difference between common monsoon fevers
| Symptoms | Dengue | Malaria | Typhoid | Viral Fever/Flu |
| Fever Pattern | Sudden high fever | Cyclical fever with chills | Gradually increasing fever | Mild to moderate fever |
| Body Pain | Severe | Moderate to severe | Mild to moderate | Mild to moderate |
| Chills & Sweating | Moderate | Severe | Mild to moderate | Mild |
| Headache | Severe | Moderate | Moderate | Mild to moderate |
| Rash | common | rare | rare | Mild |
| Nausea / Vomiting | Moderate | Moderate to Severe | Mild to Moderate | Mild |
| Fatigue / Weakness | Severe | Severe | Moderate | Moderate |
In the rainy season, the risk of infection and fever is higher, and maintaining a healthy immune system can help reduce the risk of infection. Here are a few tips to follow in order to prevent these diseases during the rainy season:
PharmEasy offers a special group lab test package that includes Complete Blood Count / Hemogram (CBC), Platelet Count, Total Leucocytes (WBC) Count, Absolute Basophil Count (ABC), Monocytes, Haemoglobin (Hb), Dengue NS 1 Antigen, Malaria Antigen Test, and more. These tests are usually advised by doctors to detect the cause of fever.
PharmEasy’s trusted and certified labs conduct each test in a precise way. You can get a FREE sample collection* by professional phlebotomists from your home or a preferred location. You will also receive the reports in a timely manner and can stay protected and healthy this monsoon season.
Mosquito-borne illnesses are preventable by mosquito nets, while influenza can be prevented by taking yearly Influenza vaccine shot 1 month before the rainy season.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Paediatrics)
Also Read: Foods You Must Eat To Stay Healthy In Monsoon!
Several Indian cities experience seasonal spikes in infectious diseases during the monsoon due to flooding, humidity, and water stagnation
Heavy rainfall and frequent waterlogging may increase mosquito breeding and contamination risks.
Rapid urban expansion and intermittent flooding can contribute to seasonal outbreaks.
Post-rain water accumulation and humidity often lead to vector-borne and water-borne illnesses.
Cooler weather with urban flooding may contribute to infection spread during the monsoon.
Flooding and water contamination commonly increase health risks during heavy rains.
High humidity and dense population may contribute to seasonal disease transmission.
Consult a doctor if the fever lasts more than 2 – 3 days, becomes very high, or is associated with severe body pain, persistent vomiting, dehydration, breathing difficulty, severe stomach pain, rash, or unusual bleeding. Immediate medical attention is important if there is confusion, extreme weakness, seizures, chest pain, or reduced urine output. Young children, elderly adults, pregnant women, and people with diabetes or weakened immunity should seek early medical evaluation for monsoon-related illnesses.
During the rainy season, we are at an increased risk of exposure to infections and illnesses that can 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.
Also Read: What Is Hantavirus? Symptoms, Causes, & Effective Prevention
Not directly, but monsoon conditions like humidity, stagnant water, and temperature fluctuation can increase the risk of infections such as flu, dengue, malaria, typhoid, and fungal infections.
A healthy immune system depends mainly on lifestyle habits rather than supplements alone. Eat a A healthy immune system depends mainly on lifestyle habits rather than supplements alone. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, sleep well, exercise regularly, maintain hygiene, and avoid contaminated food or water. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, iron, and protein support immunity. It is also important to consume safe food and clean drinking water and to follow measures that prevent mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon season.
Even during the monsoon season, the body can still produce vitamin D from sunlight, although cloud cover may reduce UVB exposure. To get vitamin D in the monsoon, spend some time outdoors when sunlight is available and include vitamin D-rich foods like eggs, fatty fish, fortified milk, and mushrooms. Supplements should only be taken if advised by a doctor.
The rainy season does not directly cause fever, but it increases the risk of infections that can cause fever. Monsoon increases the spread of infections such as viral fever, dengue, malaria, typhoid, and respiratory illnesses due to humid and wet conditions.
Common monsoon infections include dengue, malaria, typhoid, cholera, flu, fungal infections, and stomach infections caused by contaminated food, water, and mosquito breeding.
Rain itself does not usually cause disease, but contaminated rainwater and flooding can spread infections through dirty water, sewage contamination, and increased mosquito breeding.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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