Be Warned! Doctors Notify Of An Uptick In These Monsoon-Related Illnesses

Monsoon illnesses are seen every year, and they need a holistic combat plan. The first thing you can do to protect yourself is to practise personal hygiene, and refrain from eating street food. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Doctors have been warning people of monsoon-related ailments, stressing on the importance of preventative health measures. During this time of the year, mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria and dengue are on the rise. Besides that, typhoid and diarrhea cases increase, too, because of food and water contamination. Health experts warn that during this season of humidity, one should have their guards up to combat respiratory illnesses and other health issues that affect the skin, digestive system, etc.

Dr Anita Mathew, director-general medicine at Fortis Hospital, Mulund said after the initial rains of the pre-monsoon season this year, they noticed a mild increase in the number of dengue cases as compared to the previous months.

“There is also a slight uptick in the number of malaria patients we are receiving in OPD now, but the numbers are expected — they are not alarming,” the doctor stated. She added that malaria spreads when an Anopheles mosquito bite transmits the parasite plasmodium into the host’s bloodstream.

“There are two common forms of malaria seen in our country: vivax and falciparum. Malaria, if left untreated, can cause severe infections. In some cases, it can cause death. Dengue is caused by the bite of an Aedes mosquito, and its symptoms include high grade fever, headache, and bodyache, including backache and pain behind the eyes.”

Important Things To Know

These are a few important things the doctor wants you to know:

Keep in mind that the Aedes mosquito is a day-time feeder; the Anopheles mosquito bites during the night.
Dengue mosquitos are known to have a preference for fresh water that is stagnant.
Dengue fever is consistent and only breaks after taking a paracetamol. It can cause slow and steady drop in platelet for almost a week. A treatment plan for dengue should include regular testing of platelet count.
“If platelet count falls below a critical level, it is a matter of concern. A more significant cause of concern in dengue is dehydration. Be well hydrated,” the doctor advised.

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Respiratory Illnesses

The doctor said that she has also been witnessing a significant rise in the number of cases of respiratory illnesses — common cold, flu and bronchitis — due to increased humidity and fluctuating temperatures.

“A good proportion of these are viral. The most common viral infection — the influenza virus — spreads easily in packed places and in spaces with poor ventilation. Practising hand hygiene and masking in public spaces is important. Wash your hands before touching your face, eyes, or nose. Children often become the first victims and spread it to friends and family. Teach them about hand hygiene. For a vulnerable population, vaccination is available for adults and kids,” Dr Mathew said.

Rise In Gastroenteritis Cases

According to the doctor, this monsoon season, gastroenteritis cases are significantly higher with a few needing hospitalisation, too, caused by dehydration. Symptoms to look out for are: vomiting, loose motions, and jaundice.

“Consumption of contaminated food and water is the leading cause. Avoid eating street food or ordering from cloud kitchens and restaurants with questionable hygiene practices. There have also been cases of liver abscess, also because of contaminated food and water, or poor sanitation,” the expert warned.