Diseases Commonly Seen During the Rainy Season

Here are five groups of diseases that commonly occur during the rainy season and the precautions you should take.

1. Gastrointestinal Infections

Common diseases include:

๐ Diarrhoea
๐ Food poisoning

Cause: Eating food or drinking water contaminated with disease-causing microorganisms.

Prevention:

๐ Eat freshly cooked food while it is still hot.
๐ Use separate serving utensils when sharing food.
๐ Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
๐ Drink clean water and avoid food that has been left at room temperature for too long.

2. Infections Transmitted Through Wounds or Mucous Membranes

Common diseases include:

๐ Conjunctivitis or pink eye
๐ Leptospirosis

Cause: Contact with floodwater, stagnant water, soil, or surfaces contaminated with infectious organisms.

Prevention:

๐ Avoid walking through stagnant or floodwater whenever possible.
๐ Wear waterproof boots or protective footwear when entering flooded areas.
๐ Cover cuts and wounds with waterproof dressings.
๐ Wash the body thoroughly after contact with potentially contaminated water.
๐ Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands.

3. Respiratory Infections

Common diseases include:

๐ The common cold
๐ Influenza
๐ Pneumonia

Cause: Exposure to viruses or bacteria transmitted through respiratory droplets, contaminated hands, or shared surfaces.

Prevention:

๐ Eat freshly prepared food.
๐ Wash your hands frequently.
๐ Avoid close contact with people who are coughing, sneezing, or unwell.
๐ Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
๐ Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places when appropriate.

4. Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Common diseases include:

๐ Dengue fever
๐ Chikungunya
๐ Malaria
๐ Zika virus infection

Cause: Infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Prevention:

๐ Remove standing water where mosquitoes may breed.
๐ Regularly empty and clean water containers.
๐ Apply mosquito repellent.
๐ Wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers.
๐ Use mosquito nets or window screens.
๐ Avoid areas with large mosquito populations whenever possible.

5. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is most commonly found in children under 10 years old.

Common symptoms include:

๐ Fever
๐ Headache
๐ Small blisters or rashes on the hands, feet, and inside or around the mouth

Cause: Contact with saliva, nasal discharge, fluid from blisters, faeces, or objects contaminated with the virus.

Prevention:

๐ Maintain good personal hygiene.
๐ Keep children’s fingernails short and clean.
๐ Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
๐ Avoid sharing eating utensils, cups, towels, and personal items.
๐ Regularly clean toys and frequently touched surfaces.
๐ Keep infected children away from school or childcare facilities until medically appropriate.

 

Reference :

Piyavate Blog Diseases Common During Rainy Season
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