Monsoon Health Tips: Preventing Dengue & Waterborne Diseases

Dengue and waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid often peak in the rainy season, especially in regions that experience heavy rains and flooding. This is why monitoring monsoon health tips is essential for staying healthy and preventing infections. Stagnant water circulating on the ground, contaminated drinking water, and increased humidity also mean that the monsoon often brings seasonal infections.

The monsoon season is a fresh relief from the long, hot summer as several weeks of showers and warm breezes chase away the heat left behind from sun-baked sidewalks. However, the monsoon also brings possible infections, especially during its initial stages when rain is sparking a spike in both dengue and waterborne diseases. 

Dengue and waterborne diseases often peak this time of year in people of all ages. It is not only yellow collections of water or damp patches on the ground that create pathogens, but also unfiltered drinking water and unhygienic conditions of parking lots or even the apartment where the rubbish from the unit above you is leaking out onto the corridor just outside your unit.

Areas such as Assam and other northeastern Indian states experience these difficulties more significantly as they face frequent, sometimes prolonged waterlogging, coupled with limited access to clean water. In this blog, we hope to provide you with practical advice on dengue prevention, hygiene practices, as well as how to prevent commonly known waterborne ailments, so that you can thoroughly enjoy the weather without compromising your health.

Why Monsoon Diseases Are on the Rise

It is no coincidence that when the rains begin to pour, hospitals record a sudden surge in cases of dengue, diarrhoea, and viral fevers. When rain accumulates in open containers, roadside potholes, or clogged drains, it provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti, the dengue fever vector. As per the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), India in 2023 had reported around 1.93 lakh cases of dengue, with most of them being reported during June-August, monsoon months. 

But it is not the mosquito bites alone that we need to keep in mind. The rainy season correlates with a greater risk of waterborne diseases due to frequent contamination of drinking water. Current infrastructure related to drainage is poor, sewage often overflows, and run-off has the potential to mix floods with drinking water sources, which leads to outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A and E. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 3.4 million people are afflicted with diarrheal diseases caused by water each year, with a disproportionate number in less developed countries or developing nations, like India. Here’s why: 

• Floodwater and drainage contamination of drinking water. 
• Increased humidity and stagnant water lead to the growth of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. 
• Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are supported by improper waste disposal. 

Prevention and prompt intervention are critical. 

Common Monsoon Illnesses to Watch Out For

The monsoon brings a host of illnesses that can impact anyone, from children to the elderly. Some of the most common are dengue, malaria, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and leptospirosis. These illnesses are often caused by a mosquito bite, dirty water, or a lack of sanitation. While many of these start off with some of the same symptoms, such as fever, tiredness, fatigue, or stomach upset, ignoring them can lead to severe complications, so obtaining early diagnosis, treatment, and care is essential. 

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is an illness caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms start with a sudden high fever, body aches, rashes, and may lead to internal bleeding and shock. 

Malaria

While similar to dengue, malaria is actually caused by the plasmodium parasite. Symptoms include fever with chills, sweating, and vomiting. 

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial disease affecting individuals through contaminated food and water sources. Symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, and fever. 

Cholera

Cholera is similar to typhoid, but is caused by unclean drinking water. Symptoms involve severe diarrhoea and dehydration, and can be fatal if not treated. 

Hepatitis A and E

Hepatitis A and E are both viral infections that impact the liver. They originate through the consumption of contaminated food or water.

Monsoon Health Tips for Everyday Protection

Let’s break down some easy, manageable preventative actions to help you avoid these seasonal threats. 

Avoid Stagnant Water at Home and Nearby

Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap of stagnant water. Here are a few things you can do:

• Regularly pour out water from flower pots, trays, and containers, and air coolers. 
• Keep all water tanks and the covers for overhead containers on tight.
• Clean your gutters and drains to avoid water collecting.
  

Dress in Protective Attire

This is one of the best dengue prevention tips. Pick;

• Wear full-sleeved shirts and trousers when going out.
• Light-coloured clothing because mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colours.
• Mosquito-repelling creams, patches or bands – especially for children.
  

Eat Fresh, Clean Provisions 

Waterborne illness often starts in the kitchen. Always during the monsoon:

• Drink filtered or boiled water. 
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Avoid roadside or uncovered food and juices.
• Store perishables in the fridge and eat within a day or two.
  

Strengthen Immunity

Having a strong immune system influences your risk of getting sick. For example:

• Eating fruits in season, such as papaya, jamun, and plums.
• Eating foods that have immunity booster ingredients, such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric.
• Remaining well hydrated, such as having herbal tea and soup.
  

Keep Your Surroundings Dry and Clean

The rainy season is the time when fungal infections (particularly on the skin and feet) are prominent. To avoid this:

• Make sure your feet stay dry and change socks along the way.
• Apply antifungal powder or talcum powder to the sweaty areas of your body, like feet and underarms.
• Avoid using the same clothes or shoes if they are damp.

Dengue Prevention Tips You Must Follow

Prevention of dengue fever is far better than a cure; therefore, dengue prevention is more important than a treatment, particularly in an area with no specific antiviral treatment. In addition to eliminating mosquito breeding sites, the following expert-recommended practices may assist in preventing dengue fever:

1. Use Mosquito Nets and Screens

• You should install fine mesh screens on windows and doors.
• You should sleep under mosquito nets — especially babies and elderly persons.
  

2. Mosquito Repellent

• You should use DEET or citronella repellent.
• You should also use a good amount on all exposed skin, especially during early dawn and late evening.
  

3. Natural Deterrents

• You can also deter mosquitoes with: 
• Tulsi (basil) plants or neem, around the house.
• Essential oil diffusers, considering eucalyptus or lavender.
  

4. Be Aware of Dengue Symptoms

If you experience any of the following, you should contact a doctor right away: 

• Sudden onset of high temperature (fever)
• Severe localized headache, with pain behind the eyes
• Muscle/joint pain (aka “breakbone fever”)
• A rash
• Nausea or vomiting

Waterborne Disease Prevention During Monsoon

Water that is contaminated leads to some of the worst health outbreaks in India. Here’s how you can be safe: 

1. Disinfect Drinking Water

• Even if the water looks clear, it may contain optimizing microorganisms.
• Use water purifiers, or better yet, boil your drinking water for at least 10 minutes.
• If you suspect contamination, use water chlorination tablets.
  

2. Personal Hygiene

• Wash your hands frequently – before meals, and after using the toilet.
• Keep the length of your nails neat and do not touch your face with dirty hands.
  

3. Wash your utensils and containers

• Make sure to wash your storage water bottles or containers with warm water often.
• Do not use disposable cups or utensils more than once. 
  

4. Store Water Safely

• It is always best practice to store drinking water in a covered food-grade container.
• Do not dip your hands into the storage vessel. Use a clean ladle or tumbler.

Children’s Health During Monsoon

They are naturally curious and adventurous beings, which means they are at a higher risk during the rainy season. Here’s some safety material for them.

• Check that they are wearing rain-friendly shoes (to prevent fungal infections).
• Send them with home-cooked meals for school, and don’t provide canteen food. 
• Teach them not to unnecessarily play in puddles or touch wet items. 
• Give them food with high vitamin C, like oranges, guavas, etc., to boost immunity.

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing fever, vomiting, severe diarrhoea, jaundice, or extreme tiredness for more than one day, do not wait it out at home; visit your nearest hospital or healthcare centre. 

At Dispur Hospital, our experienced doctors and emergency care services are available 24/7 to deal with seasonal infections and health emergencies.

What Makes Dispur Polyclinic and Hospitals a Reliable Choice During Monsoon?

• Specialized Infectious Disease unit: Our staff are trained in managing cases of dengue, cholera, and any seasonal infections.
• Onsite Pathology and Diagnostic Centre: Rapid and accurate diagnosis provided quick results for timely treatment.
• Hygienic Facilities: Rigorous cleanliness in all departments.
• Paediatric and Geriatric Care: Delivering care for the most vulnerable age groups.

Final Tips for Staying Healthy This Monsoon

• Do not underestimate minor symptoms at this time of year – they may well be indications of serious infections.
• Do not self-medicate for fevers or tummy issues.
• Be sure that your vaccines are up to date.
• Be proactive by keeping numbers on hand in case of an emergency, and ORS sachets handy.

Conclusion

These monsoon health risks are nothing to take lightly. Illnesses related to the season, such as dengue, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases, worsen quickly. If you notice any of the following symptoms: high fever, body aches, constant fatigue, stomach problems, skin rashes, please visit your doctor sooner rather than later. 

At Dispur Polyclinic and Hospitals, we have a highly qualified medical team who can help you with diagnosis, advanced treatment and supportive care to allow for a faster recovery and promote prevention and protection. 

We are genuinely concerned for your health and safety, especially when you consider the high-risk season. Call us at +91-8822669275 or come and see us today. Proactive healthcare is your first step towards a safer and healthier monsoon.