Fighting Monsoon-borne Diseases

As the much-awaited monsoon season descends upon us, bringing respite from the scorching heat, it also heralds the onset of a host of diseases. The combination of rain and humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to an upsurge in illnesses during this time.

Stagnant water collects in several places, providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes to multiply. While enjoying the pleasant weather, it is crucial that we remain cautious and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves from these monsoon-related diseases. Let us talk about some of the common illnesses that afflict people during the monsoon season and emphasise the need for preventive measures.

One of the most common diseases during the monsoon is waterborne disease. Contaminated water sources and poor sanitation infrastructure lead to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A. The heavy rains often lead to the mixing of sewage water with clean water sources, making it highly dangerous for consumption. It has been estimated that water, sanitation, and hygiene have the potential to prevent at least 9.1 per cent of the global disease burden and 6.3 per cent of all deaths throughout the world. The diarrhea morbidity can be reduced by 21per cent with improved water sources while better sanitation reduces diarrhea morbidity by 37.5 per cent, and the number of diarrhea cases can be reduced by as much as 35 per cent with the simple act of washing hands at different critical times.

Productive allocation

 Improvement in drinking water quality, such as point-of-use disinfection, would lead to a 45 per cent reduction in diarrhea episodes (CDC, 2016). Another significant health concern during the monsoon is vector-borne diseases. Mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water, become more active and numerous during this time. Diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya are transmitted by mosquitoes. It has been estimated that in nearly every passing minute, a child under five dies of malaria. Many of the malaria-associated deaths are preventable and can be successfully treated. In 2021, 247 million malaria cases were reported globally with 619,000 deaths (WHO, 2023). 

The total of around 40 per cent of the world’s population (about 3 billion people) is living in areas with a risk of dengue (CDC, 2019). In 1970, dengue was epidemic in only nine countries but now, it is endemic to more than 125 tropical countries in the world. Each year, 400 million people are infected with dengue, around 100 million develop dengue fever, and about 22,000 die of dengue (CDC, 2019). Respiratory infections are also prevalent during the monsoon. Increased humidity and dampness provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. As a result, respiratory diseases such as the common cold, flu, and pneumonia become more common. 

Skin infections are another concern during the monsoon season. Fungal infections like ringworm, athlete's foot, and nail fungus thrive in warm and moist conditions. Gastrointestinal infections are common during the monsoon due to contaminated food and water. Bacteria like Salmonella and E. Coli thrive in unhygienic conditions and can cause food poisoning. It is crucial to drink only purified water and maintain personal hygiene in order to avoid waterborne diseases. With increased flooding and waterlogging, the risk of contracting leptospirosis also rises. Wearing protective footwear and avoiding contact with floodwaters is essential to prevent this potentially life-threatening disease.  

Taking preventive measures such as using mosquito nets, wearing long sleeves, and applying mosquito repellent can help decrease the risk of vector-borne diseases. Additionally, removing stagnant water from households can disrupt the breeding cycle of mosquitoes. Water accumulation in open containers, flower pots, and discarded tires provides ideal breeding sites for these mosquitoes. Regular cleaning of water storage areas, using mosquito repellents, and wearing protective clothing are effective preventive measures against Dengue. Preventive measures such as using mosquito nets, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and applying insect repellents are essential to curb the spread of malaria. To prevent GI infections, it is important to practice safe food and water handling practices.

Awareness campaigns

To reduce the risk of respiratory infections, it is essential to maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, and avoid close contact with individuals who are sick. Furthermore, keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated and dry can help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. To prevent skin infections, it is crucial to keep the body clean and dry, especially the areas prone to sweat accumulation. Wearing loose and breathable clothing made of natural fibre can also help reduce the risk of skin infections. Similarly, avoiding drinking unsafe drinking water and practicing good food hygiene practice help us protect ourselves from potential gastrointestinal infections. 

Moreover, the large-scale awareness programme on the importance of safe drinking water for human life, methods to disinfect water from unreliable sources, and use of oral rehydration solutions for childhood diarrhea cannot be undermined to keep water-borne diseases at bay. Similarly, there is a need to carry out continuous awareness campaigns for the prevention of vector-borne, respiratory, and GI infections.

(Dr. Lohani is the clinical director at the Nepal Drug and Poison Information Centre. lohanis@gmail.com)