Monsoon Diseases: Identification and Prevention
Monsoon diseases like dengue, malaria, and typhoid are common during the rainy season. Learn to identify their symptoms and follow key prevention tips to stay safe and healthy.
Written by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 29th Jul, 2025
Introduction
The monsoon season brings much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, but it also brings with it an increased risk of various diseases. The high humidity, stagnant water, and damp conditions create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes. As a result, illnesses like dengue, malaria, cholera, typhoid, and viral fevers become more common during this time.
Understanding these diseases, their symptoms, and preventive measures can help you stay healthy and enjoy the rainy season without falling ill.
Common Monsoon Diseases and Their Symptoms
These are the common monsoon diseases and their symptoms:
1. Dengue
Caused by: Aedes mosquito bites (active during the day).
Symptoms:
- High fever with severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Skin rashes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) can lead to bleeding, low platelet count, and organ damage.
2. Malaria
Caused by: Anopheles mosquito bites (active at night).
Symptoms:
- High fever with chills and sweating
- Fatigue and body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice (in severe cases)
3. Cholera
Caused by: Contaminated food and water (bacteria Vibrio cholerae).
Symptoms:
- Severe diarrhea (watery stools)
- Dehydration
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
4. Typhoid
Caused by: Salmonella typhi bacteria (through contaminated food/water).
Symptoms:
- Prolonged high fever
- Weakness and fatigue
- Stomach pain and constipation/diarrhea
- Headache and loss of appetite
5. Viral Fever & Flu
Caused by: Different viruses spreading through air or contact.
Symptoms:
- Fever with body aches
- Sore throat and cough
- Runny or blocked nose
- Fatigue and weakness
6. Leptospirosis (Rat Fever)
Caused by: Contact with water or soil contaminated by rat urine.
Symptoms:
- High fever
- Muscle pain (especially calves)
- Red eyes
- Jaundice (in severe cases)
Consult a specialist for Personalised Advice
7. Chikungunya
Caused by: Aedes mosquito bites.
Symptoms:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe joint pain (lasting weeks)
- Rash and headache
How to Prevent Monsoon Diseases?
1. Keep Mosquitoes Away
- Use mosquito nets and repellents.
- Wear full-sleeved clothing.
- Avoid stagnant water (clean coolers, flower pots, and drains regularly).
2. Drink Safe Water
- Boil or filter water before drinking.
- Avoid street food and raw salads (may be washed in contaminated water).
3. Maintain Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap.
- Keep surroundings clean and dry.
- Disinfect surfaces to prevent fungal infections.
4. Eat Healthy & Boost Immunity
- Consume freshly cooked, warm meals.
- Include immunity-boosting foods like ginger, turmeric, citrus fruits, and garlic.
- Stay hydrated with herbal teas, soups, and clean water.
5. Get Vaccinated (If Available)
Vaccines for typhoid and flu are available—consult a doctor.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience:
- Persistent high fever (more than 2 days)
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual bleeding or rashes
- Extreme weakness
- Do not ignore symptoms, as some monsoon diseases can become life-threatening if untreated.
Conclusion
Monsoon diseases can escalate quickly if not identified and treated early, making awareness and prevention essential. By maintaining hygiene, avoiding mosquito breeding, and boosting your immunity, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling ill. If symptoms arise, consult a doctor promptly to ensure timely care and a safe, healthy rainy season.
Consult a specialist for Personalised Advice
Consult a specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Subashini Venkatesh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS., DCH, MRCGP, Dip (Dermatology), CCT
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Heart Centre Thousand Lights, Chennai
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Ramya Hari
General Practitioner
18 Years • Medical Head & Family Physician, DG Shipping Approved Doctor, Panel Physician - UK Visa Medicals
Chennai
Apollo Medical Centre Kotturpuram, Chennai
Dr. Shashikant Nigam
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
41 Years • MD (Medicine)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Neelam Jain
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
16 Years • "MBBS, DPB ( Dip in pathology and bacteriology)-Mumbai CCEBDM, PGCDM, CCMTD"
Bhopal
Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal
Dr. Promise Jain
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
20 Years • MBBS, DNB Medicine, TDD, MNAMS, PGCDM, CCEBDM, CCMTD,PGDE Senior Consultant- Internal Medicine Head- Department of critical care Apollo Sage Hospital, Bhopal, MP Intensivist, Diabetes, Thyroid , Physician
Bhopal
Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal
Consult a specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Subashini Venkatesh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS., DCH, MRCGP, Dip (Dermatology), CCT
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Heart Centre Thousand Lights, Chennai
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Ramya Hari
General Practitioner
18 Years • Medical Head & Family Physician, DG Shipping Approved Doctor, Panel Physician - UK Visa Medicals
Chennai
Apollo Medical Centre Kotturpuram, Chennai
Dr. Shashikant Nigam
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
41 Years • MD (Medicine)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Neelam Jain
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
16 Years • "MBBS, DPB ( Dip in pathology and bacteriology)-Mumbai CCEBDM, PGCDM, CCMTD"
Bhopal
Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal
Dr. Promise Jain
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
20 Years • MBBS, DNB Medicine, TDD, MNAMS, PGCDM, CCEBDM, CCMTD,PGDE Senior Consultant- Internal Medicine Head- Department of critical care Apollo Sage Hospital, Bhopal, MP Intensivist, Diabetes, Thyroid , Physician
Bhopal
Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal
