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As the monsoons sweep across Mumbai, the city breathes a sigh of relief from the intense summer heat. However, this joyous season also brings with it an array of health problems due to the increased humidity and waterlogging. This comprehensive guide by Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory uncovers the five most common monsoon diseases, their symptoms, prevention measures, and how we can assist in maintaining your health during this season.
The monsoon season in Mumbai brings along a welcome respite from the soaring summer temperatures. Nevertheless, this refreshing season also ushers in an array of health issues due to the increased humidity and water stagnation. This comprehensive guide by Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory takes a closer look at the five most prevalent monsoon diseases, their detailed symptoms, preventive measures, and how we can help you maintain your health during this monsoon season.
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus and transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. It’s quite prevalent during the monsoon season due to an increase in the mosquito population.
Signs & Symptoms: Dengue symptoms usually develop within 4 to 10 days after infection and can include sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, and mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising).
How to Diagnose: Dengue Fever can be diagnosed through specific blood tests that detect the virus or antibodies produced in response to the infection.
Common Diagnostic Tests: At Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory, we offer Dengue NS1 antigen test for early detection, and Dengue IgM and IgG antibody tests that can diagnose or confirm the presence of dengue infection.
Preventive Measures: To prevent Dengue Fever, it’s crucial to avoid mosquito bites especially during early morning and evening, eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by clearing stagnant water, and maintain cleanliness in your surroundings.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is another viral disease that’s transmitted to humans by the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The disease is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain.
Signs & Symptoms: The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash.
How to Diagnose: The diagnosis is typically made based on the patient’s symptoms and their recent history of travel to areas where Chikungunya is found. Laboratory tests such as the Chikungunya IgM and IgG tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Common Diagnostic Tests: Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory offers a specific Chikungunya antibody test which can help diagnose the disease.
Preventive Measures: The best way to prevent Chikungunya is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and making sure windows and doors are screened to keep mosquitoes out.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. This bacterial infection is contracted by consuming contaminated food or water.
Signs & Symptoms: Common symptoms include high fever, headache, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, rose-colored spots on the chest, and general weakness.
How to Diagnose: Diagnosis is made by any blood, bone marrow, or stool cultures and with the Widal test (demonstration of antibodies against Salmonella antigens O-somatic and H-flagellar).
Common Diagnostic Tests: Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory offers the Widal Test for diagnosing Typhoid fever and stool cultures to detect Salmonella bacteria.
Preventive Measures: Hygiene is the key to prevent Typhoid. Washing hands before meals, drinking purified water, and consuming well-cooked food helps to keep Typhoid at bay.
Viral Fever
Viral fevers are a group of febrile illnesses that are caused by a wide range of viruses. During the monsoon, there is an increase in the incidence of viral fevers due to the conducive weather for the growth and multiplication of viruses.
Signs & Symptoms: Symptoms of viral fever include high fever, chills, headache, body aches, and sometimes skin rashes. Some viral fevers also cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing or congestion.
How to Diagnose: Viral fevers are usually diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms, history of exposure, and occasionally blood tests.
Common Diagnostic Tests: At Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory, we offer Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests that can give indications of viral fever by showing increased white blood cells.
Preventive Measures: The best preventive measure is to maintain good hygiene, avoid close contact with those infected, and boost one’s immunity by having a healthy diet.
Skin Infections
Monsoon brings with it various skin infections due to increased humidity in the atmosphere. Fungal and bacterial infections become common and can lead to conditions like Eczema, Dermatitis, Athlete’s Foot, etc.
Signs & Symptoms: Symptoms of skin infections can include itching, redness, pain, blisters, and swelling. Some infections also result in a discharge or pus.
How to Diagnose: Skin infections are typically diagnosed based on the appearance of the skin. In some cases, samples may be taken for lab tests.
Common Diagnostic Tests: Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory can help in diagnosing the exact cause of your skin condition through tests like KOH Mount for fungal infections.
Preventive Measures: Keeping the skin dry, maintaining personal hygiene, wearing clean clothes, and using anti-fungal talc can prevent most of the skin infections.
