In this article we’ll dive into what are the most common illnesses which can occur during the most comforting season,its symptoms, how to diagnose it and what are the necessary precautions one could take.
Rainy season is the most beautiful season. As soon as someone says monsoon is coming we get this picture in our mind of enjoying a beautiful view of the rain with a hot cup of tea in our hand. We all hate the hot temperature of summer, the monsoon gives us relaxation from the hot humid climate and refreshes everyone.
However we should not forget no matter how comforting and refreshing this season is , it comes with the package of infections. This weather is perfect for the breeding of mosquitoes and insects which can divide rapidly and spread the infection easily.
In this article we’ll dive into what are the most common illnesses which can occur during the most comforting season,its symptoms, how to diagnose it and what are the necessary precautions one could take.
Most Common Illnesses of Monsoon Season Are as Follows
Malaria
This disease is caused by the bite of the female anopheles mosquito, during the rainy season water clogging is very common especially in india, which is a perfect breeding home for these mosquitoes
Therefore make sure that you clean your home and nearby properly and avoid collecting water in a container
Symptoms of Malaria
- Fever
- Shivering
- Body Chills
- Excess sweating
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Diagnostic Test for Malaria
Malaria parasite test: In this test the technician will collect your blood sample, then the blood smear slide is examined under the microscope to find out whether the malarial parasite is present in your blood or not. A positive report indicates that you have malaria.
Malaria antigen detection test or rapid diagnostic test : in this test the antigens or the proteins which are released by malaria are tested. This test is done after the blood smear test
Dengue
This is one of the most common diseases which spreads quickly during monsoon season. In 2023 total no of cases of dengue in India are 2,89,235. This disease is also spread by the bite of female mosquitoes. In this disease there is a drop in the count of platelets which increases the risk of death.
Symptoms of Dengue
- High fever
- Body pain
- Decreased platelet count
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rashes
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Swollen glands
Diagnostic Test for Dengue
Platelet count: in dengue people generally have a low platelet count therefore monitoring the platelet count is essential.
Dengue NS1 antigen test: this test detects the dengue’s virus nonstructural protein component. This protein is produced within the first 7 days of infection in the blood therefore this test helps in early detection of dengue.
Dengue serology: serology testing for IgG and Igm antibodies specific to dengue can help in diagnosing the disease
Chikungunya
This disease is also caused by the mosquitoes , it is important to keep your nearby clean and avoid collecting the water and add mosquito killing chemicals such as pyrethrins in the collected water to prevent the breeding of the mosquitoes
Symptoms of Chikungunya
- Severe joint pain
- Pale skin
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- headache
Diagnostic Test for Chikungunya
Chikungunya PCR qualitative: this test is the most definitive test as it detects the presence of virus chikungunya into the blood. It basically measures the level of active chikungunya virus in the blood.
Chikungunya antibody IgM: this test measure the presence of igM antibodies produced in the blood in response of chikungunya infection
Typhoid
This is one of the most common diseases which occurs during the monsoon season. Typhoid occurs due to the ingestion of the contaminated water and food and if left untreated it can lead to serious health complications therefore it is recommended to sanitise properly, avoid outside food and drink plenty of fluids.
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
- High fever
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
Diagnostic Test for Typhoid Fever
Widal test: this is the go to test for the typhoid disease.in this test the presence of antibodies against the salmonella typhi (causative agent) was measured.
Blood culture: in this test the blood sample is drawn and placed under the culture to detect the presence of the causative agent of the typhoid called salmonella typhi.if there is a presence of the bacteria in the blood then it will grow on the culture.
Rapid typhoid agglutination test: this test measure the presence of the antibodies produced in response of the typhoid fever
Hepatitis A
This infection is caused by the virus hepatitis A.in this infection there is an inflammation of the liver and commonly occurs due to the ingestion of the contaminated food and the water.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
- Joint pain
- Yellowing of the eyes
- Bodyache
- High fever
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
Diagnostic Test for Hepatitis A
IgM antibody test: this test detects the presence of antibodies which secretes in the body in response to the hepatitis virus
Hepatitis A virus PCR detection: this test detects the presence of RNA of hepatitis A virus in the blood.
Preventive Measure to Take
- Make sure that there is no stagnant water around you.
- Monsoon season is the right time to start using mosquito repellent cream and mosquito net.
- Avoid eating from the outside.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat foods rich in vitamin C.
- Make sure you consume clean water.
- Avoid eating the raw vegetables and Clean the vegetables properly before consuming.
Just like us, the monsoon season is loved by the different pathogens also as this season provides them a suitable environment for their growth . Therefore, as much as it is important to enjoy this season, it is more important to protect you and your loved ones from serious illness. Early diagnosis of these infections can help in treating it efficiently and aids in avoiding serious complications.
