Monsoon Illnesses – Causes & Prevention

We may still be in the dog days of summer, but the first signs of monsoon-like weather are already here. You can expect to get sick during or right before the monsoon season (generally around June, July, and August) — either from diseases brought on by mosquitoes or heat stroke due to excessive sweating.

You're not alone if you have a lot to worry about these days. There are many things that you can do to keep yourself healthy and safe during this tropical monsoon season. Besides getting the right vaccinations in advance, you can also take care of your health by taking precautions against communicable diseases.

Monsoon illnesses are caused by mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, but are also spread through contaminated food and water. This post will cover the causes and prevention of monsoon illnesses, so make sure you read it till the end.

Food and Water Borne Diseases During Monsoon

The monsoon season is a period that lasts from June to September. During this time, temperatures can rise as much as 30 degrees Celsius in some places. The climate of these regions is also characterized by high humidity levels and windy conditions.

These factors combine to create an ideal environment for the transmission of food and water-borne diseases. Because of these conditions, it is important to take precautions against contracting these diseases.

You should avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat, fish and shellfish during this time period so as not to transmit any infections. You should also avoid drinking unfiltered tap water or beverages that contain ice cubes made from unfiltered tap water (such as sodas).

In addition, you should wash their hands frequently with soap and water before eating or touching your face.

Common Diseases Caused During The Monsoon Season

The monsoon season is a busy time for many people, and it can be difficult to stay healthy when you're out in the elements. Mosquito bites, dehydration, and heat exhaustion are all common problems during this time of year. But there are also more serious health concerns that can affect you if you aren't careful.

Dengue fever is caused by a virus that's carried by mosquitoes and transmitted through mosquito bites. It can cause flu-like symptoms.

Chikungunya fever is caused by infection from a virus in the same family as Zika virus (Aedes mosquitoes), which spreads by direct contact with infected people or animal hosts. Symptoms include high fever, joint pain, fatigue and headache.

Malaria occurs in tropical areas around the world and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria can cause flu-like symptoms including fever and chills; headaches; vomiting; diarrhoea; abdominal pain; muscle weakness; confusion; seizures/convulsions etc.

Symptoms of Diseases Caused During The Monsoon Season

Many diseases are caused by the monsoon season, including dengue fever and typhoid fever.

Dengue fever is caused by a virus that infects mosquitos. It can cause high fever, headaches, muscle aches, rash, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually start 1-3 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

If you have been bitten by a mosquito during or after the monsoon season and develop any of these symptoms within 2 weeks of being bitten, see your doctor immediately!

Typhoid fever is another disease caused during this time of year. You can be affected by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with bacteria found in feces. Symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort (this may be sharp), headache; stomach pain or diarrhea; fever.

How To Prevent Food and Water Borne Diseases During Monsoon

Monsoon season is one of the most dangerous times of year for food and water-borne diseases. It's important to be proactive and avoid these illnesses by following these simple steps:

• Don't eat raw or undercooked meat or fish, especially fish from rivers, lakes, or ocean waters. If you do eat it raw or undercooked, cook it thoroughly before eating it.
• Don't drink raw water that has been stored in containers with cracks or leaks because this can also contain harmful bacteria like fecal matter and parasites that can cause food poisoning or other diseases including hepatitis A and E (which are very common during monsoon season).
• Avoid using public restrooms during monsoon season because they are the perfect breeding grounds for germs such as E. coli and salmonella which can cause serious illness if they enter your body through your mouth while you're brushing your teeth after using the restroom!

Final Words

Water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, dengue, and chikungunya are linked to monsoons. These infections can also be spread by the bite of infected vectors like mosquitoes, flies, etc.

Unhygienic conditions can cause bad odors and people not using toilets properly, increasing the chances of infection from sewage. Therefore, make sure that you keep the aforementioned things in mind to prevent getting infected with any of the diseases during this season.