Monsoon Sickness: 4 Common Water-Borne Diseases and How to Prevent Infection in Rainy Season

Cases of waterborne diseases spike during the rainy season, giving us all the more reason to raise our guard.

Pit-patter falls to the rain like cats and dogs, the monsoon season has come. While temperatures are relatively relaxing due to the summer heat, humidity levels have risen. Just as there are seasonal fruits, foods and fashion, there are also seasonal diseases that we should not forget. With cities witnessing rain from day to night, flooding and water accumulation are likely to occur. And with dirty water, standing puddles, or bodies of water, waterborne diseases have a greater chance of spreading. According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of diseases are probably waterborne worldwide.

Waterborne diseases are contracted through dirty and contaminated water that enters bodies. Damp and stagnant polluted water is a breeding ground for a variety of bacteria and fungi leading to infection.

Common Waterborne Illnesses

• Anger – A common waterborne disease, can cause diarrhea, dehydration, etc. Have a good intake of water and healthy foods to avoid it.
• Hepatitis A – It can be contracted by contaminated water and attacks the health of the liver. Also, it could cause jaundice, fever, nausea, etc.
• Typhoid – Contaminated water or food can easily lead to typhoid fever. It is also a common waterborne disease that absorbs the energy of an infected person.

6 tips to prevent waterborne diseases

1. Avoid tap water: Public spaces have plenty of tap water. Otherwise, one should also avoid using the tap water directly to reduce the risk of dirty water.
2. Hand hygiene: It is important to maintain proper hand hygiene. Wash your hands before eating, after coming home from outside, using the bathroom, etc.
3. Wash your fruits and vegetables: Since many people buy from open cart vendors, there are chances that they will be covered by rainwater. Therefore, it is essential to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. If not, it is also a healthy practice to wash them before consuming them.
4. clean environment: Be sure to maintain a clean and green environment around you. Eliminate the possibility of stagnant water and keep the environment clean to avoid mosquito breeding sites.
5. Complete clothing and Mosquito Repellents: Try to keep your body covered to avoid insect bites. Also, use mosquito repellent to avoid malaria and dengue fever.
6. Stay away from puddling: Avoid going near waterlogged places, as it can pose a health risk. always wash your feet after returning from a rainy walk.

Overflowing sewage systems, compromised water supplies, and inadequate sanitation facilities all contribute to the increased risk of waterborne diseases. Therefore, it is best to follow these basic tips and consult a doctor in case of symptoms of any of the waterborne diseases.