Monsoon Illnesses: What’s Common and How to Prevent Them

1. Dengue Fever

Etiological Agent: Dengue virus (Flaviviridae family)

Mode of Transmission: Aedes aegypti mosquito bite

Clinical Features:

High-grade fever

Retro-orbital pain (pain behind the eyes)

Myalgia and arthralgia (muscle and joint pain)

Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)

Petechial rash

Prevention:

Eliminate stagnant water around homes

Wear full-sleeved clothing

Use topical repellents (e.g., DEET-based creams)

Ensure mosquito nets and screens are intact

2. Leptospirosis

Etiological Agent: Leptospira interrogans (spirochete bacterium)

Transmission: Exposure to contaminated water, especially floodwater mixed with animal urine

Clinical Signs:

High fever with chills

Conjunctival suffusion (red eyes without discharge)

Calf tenderness

Jaundice in severe cases (Weil’s disease)

Prevention:

Avoid wading through floodwaters

Wear protective boots and gloves when necessary

Immediate post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline (in high-risk cases, only under medical supervision)

3. Acute Gastroenteritis

Common Pathogens: E. coli, Rotavirus, Norovirus, Salmonella, Shigella

Transmission: Feco-oral route through contaminated food/water

Symptoms:

Profuse watery or bloody diarrhea

Nausea, vomiting

Abdominal cramps

Risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Preventive Measures:

Drink only boiled or filtered water

Avoid street food during monsoons

Maintain strict hand hygiene

Oral rehydration therapy (ORS) at first signs of fluid loss

4. Typhoid Fever

Causative Organism: Salmonella typhi

Transmission: Ingestion of contaminated food or water

Clinical Picture:

Step-ladder pattern of fever

Bradycardia (relative to fever)

Abdominal discomfort and constipation

Rose spots (in some cases)

Prevention:

Complete typhoid vaccination (Vi polysaccharide or conjugate vaccines)

Proper handwashing

Safe food preparation and storage practices

5. Chikungunya

Etiological Agent: Chikungunya virus

Vector: Aedes aegypti (same as dengue)

Symptoms:

High fever

Severe arthralgia (joint pain) that can persist for weeks

Rash, fatigue, and conjunctivitis

Prevention:

Similar to dengue more focused on mosquito control.

General Preventive Tips for the Monsoon Season

Immunization Check: Ensure vaccines like typhoid, hepatitis A, and flu are up to date

Hydration: Drink safe, clean water — consider adding ORS if you're vulnerable

Avoid Self-Medication: Antibiotic misuse during this season is common and dangerous

Medical Consultation:

Always consult a physician if fever lasts more than 2 days, or if symptoms worsen

A Quick Note on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Monsoon often leads to a surge in antibiotic prescriptions. But irrational use can lead to antimicrobial resistance. It’s crucial that antibiotics be prescribed only after clinical judgment or culture sensitivity reports. Remember — not all fevers need antibiotics.

The monsoon season needn’t be a medical minefield.

With a bit of caution, clean habits, and timely consultation, you can enjoy the rain without the risk.

If you or a loved one shows persistent symptoms, especially fever with unusual pain, vomiting, or rash, consult a general physician or infectious disease specialist immediately.