10 Common Monsoon Diseases in India

Dr.Abhisar Bhatnagar, 3 mins read

The monsoon brings much-needed respite from the scorching summer heat. However, with the wonderful and loving atmosphere, it also unleashes a host of waterborne and vector-borne diseases. This is because of the increased humidity and waterlogging, which create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes. 

The 10 common monsoon diseases in India include cholera, typhoid, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, leptospirosis, hepatitis A, gastroenteritis, jaundice, and skin infections. 

Waterborne Diseases

Cholera

A highly contagious diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It often spreads through the consumption of food and water. Poor hygiene and sanitation also cause it.

Symptoms: Low blood pressure, thirst, muscle cramps, rapid heart rate, dry mucous membrane, and loss of skin elasticity.

Typhoid

A bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It also spreads through contaminated food and water.

Symptoms: Prolonged high fever, weakness, abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, and headaches

Vector-Borne Diseases

Malaria

A mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. This mosquito breeds in stagnant water during the rainy season. 

Symptoms: High fever, body chills, body aches, severe anaemia, and sweating.

Dengue

A viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It causes severe flu-like symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications.

Symptoms: High fever, headache, low platelet count, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, and hypersensitivity.

Chikungunya

A viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are usually found in overhead tanks, plants, coolers, utensils, and water pipes.

Symptoms: Acute joint pain, high fever, fatigue, and chills.

Other Monsoon Diseases

Hepatitis A

A viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus, which often spreads through contaminated food and water, poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation, and oral-anal sex

Symptoms: Yellowing of the skin and eyes, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, clay or gray coloured stools, dark urine, low grade fever, joint pain, and intense itching. 

Gastroenteritis

Also known as stomach flu, it is a viral, parasitic, or bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. 

Symptoms: Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, chills, and body aches.

Jaundice

A condition characterised by yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is often caused by viral hepatitis.

Symptoms: Fever, stomach pain, chills, dark urine, itchy skin, tar or clay coloured stools, flu-like symptoms, weight loss, confusion, and bloody vomit.

Skin Infections

Fungal or bacterial infections that thrive in moist environments, causing skin irritation, itching, and rashes.

Syptoms: Redness, swelling, pain, itching, and pus or drainage. 

Leptospirosis

A bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. It transmits from animals to humans.

Symptoms: High fever, headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, red eyes, rashes, and diarrhoea.

Prevention and Treatment

To minimise the risk of contracting these diseases, these tips can help you out:

• Drink boiled or filtered water
• Avoid street food and raw foods
• Use mosquito repellents 
• Wear protective clothing
• Keep the surroundings clean and dry
• Practice good hygiene

If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult our experts now at Aakash Healthcare. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Stay safe and healthy this monsoon!