Monsoon Diseases
The rains bring along with it dollops of relief from the scorching heat and also a sense of ecstasy amongst children and youngsters who love drenching themselves out in the rain. But, it is a busy season for laboratories, clinics and hospitals all across the country as with monsoon arrives swarms of unwanted and harmful viruses and diseases that leave no stone unturned to reach out to the common man in various forms. Cold and Cough, Malaria, Dengue, Stomach Infection, Diarrhoea, Fever, Typhoid and Pneumonia are some of the diseases which make it to the top of the list.
I) Malaria- Meandering towards Mosquito Bite : Monsoon is the breeding season for mosquitoes and mosquito borne diseases. Cases of Malaria have registered a 12% jump in 2010 as compared to the previous year. This figure proves how this mosquito borne disease called malaria can cause havoc in the society. Several symptoms associated with the disease can be detected early and a doctor can be approached for prescribing the correct medicines. Read through the list of symptoms and causes of Malaria and secure yourself from the fatal disease.
Causes : A one-celled parasite, called plasmodium, causes malaria. About 170 species of plasmodium exist, but only four cause malaria in humans.
Symptoms : A malarial infection can be generally characterized by recurrent attacks and other symptoms.
- Moderate to severe quivering.
- High Fever.
- Fall in body temperature leading to excessive sweating.
- Feeling of disquiet and restlessness.
- Headache, Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhoea.
- Consume prescribed drugs by doctors, one to two weeks, before leaving for the trip to the infected area and throughout the trip.
- With the advent of monsoons, a mosquito net can be used as an exterior covering over the bed.
- Do not store water in your house for long periods of time as that will attract mosquitos.
- Remember to use a mosquito repellent to stop mosquitos from entering your premises or from biting you.
Must Do : Depending on the severity of symptoms, varying drugs can be prescribed; hence, a visit to the doctor is a must.
II) Typhoid- Flowing into dangerous water : Walking along puddles filled with mud and amidst flood waters are common instances during monsoons. Drinking water from food outlets is also a common phenomenon for people living in cities. But, with the start of monsoons, cases of water-borne diseases like typhoid rise on a large scale. Read through the list of symptoms and causes of typhoid and secure yourself from the disease.
Causes :
- Typhoid is caused by the bacterium S. Typhi, which is transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person.
- Poor sanitation and contaminated drinking water, direct contact with infected person's urine are other causes of spread of typhoid.
Symptoms : Typhoid signs and symptoms develop gradually, 1-3 weeks after exposure to the disease. Listed below are a few symptoms :
- Fever, often as high as 103 or 104
F (39.4 or 40 0C) - Headache
- Weakness and fatigue
- Sore throat
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Rash
Preventive Measures : Preventive measures to be adopted for avoiding the contraction of typhoid can be as follows:
- Wash your hands
- Avoiding drinking un-treated water
- Opt for cooked food
- Clean hosehold items
- Apart from a visit to the doctor, other supportive treatments should be followed such as drinking lots of fluid and eating a healthy diet
III) Leptospirosis : During monsoons, great care should be taken to wear appropriate clothes and shoes, as any contact with dirty water or soil can lead to a serious disease seen on the rise known as leptospirosis, commonly known as Weil's syndrome. Read through the list of symptoms and causes of Typhoid and secure yourself from the disease.
Causes :- It is transmitted though contact with infected soil or water, by ingesting contaminated food or water, from the urine of an infected animal, through broken skin and mucous membrane (eyes, nose, sinuses, and mouth) contact with the contaminated water or soil
Weil's syndrome is on the rise and following symptoms must be taken seriously so that an early cure is possible.
- Flu like symptoms include headaches, muscle aches, eye pain with bright lights, chills and fever
- Stiffness of the neck and inflammation of the nerves to the eyes, brain, spinal columns, and abdominal pain are other symptoms of the disease
Preventive Measures : Preventive measures to be adopted for avoiding the contraction of Leptospirosis can be as follows :
- Wear leather boots or any closed shoe while stepping out of your home to allow minimum contact with contaminated soil or water
- If you have pets, make sure you take care of their hygienic requirements and clean them frequently
- Any kind of cuts or bruises should be treated immediately, so that broken skin does not become the cause for getting infected
Must-Do :
- Depending on the severity of symptoms, a doctor can suggest antibiotic treatment, dialysis, intensive medical care and vaccines;
hence, a visit to the doctor is a must
