Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Monsoon is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful seasons. It aids in farming, makes the weather pleasant, but it also increases the chance of contracting contagious diseases. Let’s straight away delve into five of the most common rainy season diseases you should be aware of.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes of the Aedes Albopictus family. Anyone can be infected by the virus, but those with a weakened immune system are more susceptible.
Aedes mosquitos like to reproduce in collected water and may breed in even tiny amounts of water stored in bottles, coconut shells, tires, plastic boxes, or other commonly discarded things with enough space for the water to collect. During the monsoon season, water is gathered in these items and left untreated for several days, enabling larvae to develop, which leads to Aedes mosquito reproduction.
Mosquito breeding is hazardous for you, your family, and your neighbors all at the same time. It is your civic obligation to keep your environment clean and prevent the sickness from spreading.
Dengue symptoms:
- Sudden and high fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Severe joint and muscle pain
- Fatigue, nausea, vomiting
- You may also notice skin rashes after having a fever for two to five days
- Mild gum bruises that can cause bleeding
- Nose bleeding
Diagnosis for dengue:
Blood tests are used to diagnose dengue illness. If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, or if you have recently been exposed to a location where you believe Aedes mosquitoes were present, you should get tested. There are two tests available:
- Molecular testing (polymerase chain reaction, PCR): Within the first week after the symptoms manifest, molecular testing (polymerase chain reaction, PCR) is conducted. This test looks for the presence of dengue genes in your blood.
- Antibody tests: These tests might help you figure out if you have a current or recent dengue ailment. They look for IgG and IgM antibodies, which are generated by the body in response to dengue fever.
Treatment of dengue:
The dengue virus does not have a specific therapy or remedy available. When you notice the symptoms, you should seek medical help and get a diagnosis. Taking medications on schedule, staying hydrated, and, most importantly, maintaining a sanitary routine are some of the established strategies for treating dengue illness.
Chikungunya
Similar to dengue, chikungunya viruses grow in stagnant water in locations like coolers, air conditioners, unused boxes and utensils, and plant pots. This infection is carried by Aedes mosquitoes, which can bite you at any time of day or night.
Chikungunya symptoms
The chikungunya symptoms may start to develop in you after three to seven days of being bitten by the infected mosquito. Some of the common symptoms that you may develop are:
- Fever
- Frequent headache and rashes on the skin
- Fatigue, nausea, vomiting
- Pain behind the eyes
- Long-lasting joint pain
Diagnosis for chikungunya
Only a chikungunya blood test can identify whether you have chikungunya or not because the symptoms are similar to that of several other diseases. Anti-chikungunya antibodies can be confirmed by serological tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). IgM viral load peaks three to five weeks after the beginning of ailment and lasts approximately two months.
Treatment of chikungunya
Chikungunya is a virus that has no specific therapy. However, the symptoms may fade with time, but the joint aches may persist for a long time.
Malaria
Malaria is the most prevalent disease during the monsoon season, and it is spread by the bite of a female anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes, like dengue and chikungunya, breed in damp environments (waterlogged areas). Keeping your surroundings clean is the greatest method to avoid yourself and your loved ones from contracting the sickness.
Malaria symptoms:
- Fever and frequent sweating
- Frequent chills that may shake the whole body
- Severe headache and muscle pain
- Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Diarrhea
If not diagnosed and treated in the early stage, malaria can lead to anemia and jaundice.
Diagnosis for malaria:
Your doctor may inquire about the symptoms you’re experiencing and the areas you’ve visited. It’s critical to give honest and true information so that you can be treated properly.
To confirm your malaria symptoms, the doctor will want you to undergo a blood test to determine if you have the malaria virus in your blood or not. Because the symptoms of malaria are similar to those of other monsoon illnesses, a blood test is required.
Treatment of malaria
The treatment of malaria should be initiated at the earliest because if left unattended for a long period of time it can even lead to death. Your doctor will provide medicines to cure the disease by killing the malaria parasite in your blood.
When the medication kicks in, it’s critical to maintain a healthy diet and take your medications on time, as directed by your doctor, to avoid worsening your condition.
Viral Fever
Viral fever is another common disease that mostly affects an individual in the rainy seasons. Your body may suffer cold, cough, and a high fever that can go up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Viral fever symptoms:
- Fluctuating body temperature. You may notice your body temperature to be around 99 degrees Fahrenheit, which can change in a time span of just a few hours to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Frequent sweating, and chills
- Dehydration
- Headache and body ache
- Appetite loss and a sensation of exhaustion
Diagnosis for viral fever:
A blood test is required to determine the type of viral infection you are experiencing. This aids in determining the best course of treatment for you. It might take anywhere from seven days to a month to fully recover from viral fever.
Treatment for viral fever:
Unlike a bacterial infection, a viral infection may not require any specific treatment as it responds to antibiotic medicines. Some of the common treatment for viral fever includes staying hydrated, taking plenty of rest, and sitting in a lukewarm bath to control the rising body temperature.
Cholera
Cholera is another monsoon illness that you may contract as a result of contaminated water logged in your area. You may unknowingly consume contaminated water or food, which can result in significant stomach disorders such as diarrhea.
Cholera symptoms:
- Increased heart rate
- Dry mucous membranes inside your mouth, nose, throat, and eyelid
- Fall in the blood sugar level due to frequent bowel movement
- Always thirsty and muscle pain
Diagnosis and treatment for cholera:
The doctor diagnoses bacteria in your stool to confirm that you have cholera. The treatment procedure includes ingesting salt with water to keep your body hydrated, consumption of antibiotics, zinc supplements, and intravenous rehydration (injecting fluids in the body).
