Monsoon brings relief from sweltering heat, but it also brings an increase in monsoon-related diseases due to favorable climatic conditions. There are several infections that see a rise during this season. Let’s explore some common monsoon diseases and their prevention methods:
Malaria
Mosquito bites transmit the parasite Plasmodium into the host’s bloodstream, causing Malaria. In our country, Vivax and Falciparum are two common forms of Malaria. Despite being known for centuries, Malaria can still cause severe infections and even death. Symptoms include fever with chills, shivering, and headache. The fever follows a periodic pattern with intervals of normalcy between spikes.
Preventive measures include:
- Wearing full-sleeved and long clothes
- Fogging, decluttering, and avoiding water accumulation to prevent mosquito breeding
Dengue
Dengue is another mosquito-borne infection transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which feeds during the day. It is characterized by fever, chills, severe headache, and body ache. Dengue can cause a drop in platelet count and dehydration, leading to complications. The fever is continuous, and medication like paracetamol provides temporary relief. Prevention measures are similar to those for Malaria, with extra attention to covering and screening stagnant water containers.
Leptospirosis
This bacterial infection occurs due to prolonged exposure to contaminated water and soil, especially during waterlogging. Contaminated water carries bacteria, often from rats/rodents or dog excretory products. Severe forms of Leptospirosis result in headaches, vomiting, bleeding tendencies, reduced urination, and Jaundice. Prevention includes:
- Avoiding walking in contaminated water
- Wearing boots that cover your legs
- Washing feet and legs properly with soap and water in case of exposure, followed by preventive medication from a physician
Respiratory infections
Humid climates increase the prevalence of flu and other respiratory viral infections. Symptoms typically include cold, cough, fever, and headaches. Patients with allergies and asthma are particularly vulnerable.
Prevention measures comprise:
- Avoiding crowded places
- Wearing masks correctly
- Hand washing and sanitizing
- Receiving a yearly flu shot to reduce the risk of infection
Gastrointestinal infections
These infections cause vomiting, diarrhea, and Jaundice, depending on the cause. They can occur due to contaminated food, water, and the abundance of flies. Viruses like Hepatitis A & E, and bacteria like E. coli and Typhoid, contribute to these infections.
Prevention measures include:
- Avoiding roadside food
- Drinking boiled water or use a good water filter to remove disease pathogens
- Washing hands before eating
- Keeping food at home covered
- Maintaining cleanliness in the surroundings to reduce the chances of infection
Safeguard from monsoon diseases
While the monsoon brings relief from the heat, it also brings an increase in various monsoon diseases. However, you can safeguard yourself by following preventive measures as well as ensuring that you drink safe and clean drinking water.
Doulton Water filters are among the most effective water filters available in the market. Not only are they economical to buy, but they are also easier to operate and maintain and need no electricity to function. This is a great advantage during monsoon where we may experience frequent power shutdowns. To add to it, they do not waste water while filtering and are highly sustainable. Our best-seller Stainless steel Gravity Filter Systems are sold across the globe and the Ultra Sterasyl candle is WRAS-approved. It consists of a ceramic micro-filter outer shell with specialty granular activated carbon to reduce common contaminants like bacteria, chlorine, organics such as pesticides and herbicides, lead and some pharmaceuticals.
