Nisha Pandey

How To Spot Leptospirosis, Dengue, Malaria During Monsoons? Early Symptoms Not To Neglect

With the onset of the monsoon, the risk of several water-borne, mosquito-borne, and bacterial infections increases significantly due to stagnant water, flooding, poor sanitation, and contaminated food and water.  

Many of these diseases can start with mild symptoms similar to the flu, but if they're diagnosed early, you can get the appropriate medical care in time, avoiding serious complications.

<h2>Early Symptoms Of Various Monsoon Diseases  </h2>

One of the important ways to prevent <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/how-to-steer-clear-of-gut-infections-during-monsoon-according-to-a-gastroenterologist-article-154767329" data-type="tilCustomLink">monsoon infections</a> and diseases is to identify warning signs early, Dr. Amit Saraf, Director, Department of Internal Medicine, Jupiter Hospital, told <em>HealthandMe</em>.  

<h3><span rel="noindex">Leptospirosis</span> </h3>

Leptospirosis gained attention after its cases surged in Kerala recently. The infection has also been reported in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The bacterial infection typically spreads via contact with water or soil that has been contaminated by the urine of animals infected with leptospirosis, especially during floods.  

<ul><li>High fever </li></ul><ul><li>Chills </li></ul><ul><li>Intense muscle pain (especially in calves) </li></ul><ul><li>Headache </li></ul><ul><li>Red eyes </li></ul><ul><li>Nausea </li></ul><ul><li>Vomiting</li></ul>

“Wearing protective footwear, avoiding wading in floodwaters, and covering any open wounds will help minimize the risk of infection,” Dr Saraf recommended. 

<h3><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/typhoid">Typhoid</a></span> </h3>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/untimely-rainfall-leaves-the-country-prone-to-these-infectious-diseases-article-151754416" data-type="tilCustomLink">Typhoid</a>, a bacterial illness, is transmitted via contaminated food and water. Early symptoms include:

<ul><li>High fever </li></ul><ul><li>Headache  </li></ul><ul><li>Weakness  </li></ul><ul><li>Loss of appetite,  </li></ul><ul><li>Abdominal pain </li></ul><ul><li>Constipation or diarrhea </li></ul><ul><li>Body aches </li></ul>

Dr. Saraf said: “It can cause serious gastrointestinal issues if not treated. Safe drinking water, good hand hygiene, and freshly cooked food are important preventive measures.”  

<h3><span rel="noindex">Cholera</span> </h3>

Cholera is a water-borne bacterial disease that commonly occurs during monsoons. It often begins with excessive watery stools, vomiting, leg cramps, and rapid dehydration. Dehydration can quickly become an immediate danger of cholera.  

The doctor said: “Prevention includes drinking clean water, eating hygienically prepared food, and practicing proper sanitation and handwashing.” 

<h3><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dengue">Dengue</a></span> </h3>

Dengue is one of the most common viral diseases spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Often reported in various Indian states during the monsoon, dengue presents with flu-like symptoms. <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/sri-lanka-dengue-outbreak-nears-50000-cases-prevention-tips-you-need-to-know-article-154742015" data-type="tilCustomLink">Dengue</a> usually begins with high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, extreme muscle and joint pain, nausea, skin rash, and fatigue. 

<h3><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/malaria">Malaria</a></span> </h3>

Malaria, a common monsoon disease, is spread by infected mosquitoes and characterized by the following symptoms:

<ul><li>Recurrent fever  </li></ul><ul><li>Shivering or sweats  </li></ul><ul><li>Headache </li></ul><ul><li>Muscle pain  </li></ul><ul><li>Weakness </li></ul><ul><li>Nausea </li></ul><ul><li>Vomiting  </li></ul>

Dr Saraf said, “Early diagnosis is important to prevent severe diseases. The best ways of preventing mosquito bites are by using mosquito repellents, mosquito nets, and the elimination of breeding sites.” 

CR7 Is Back! How Cristiano Ronaldo Is Dominating Football At 41

<h3><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/chikungunya">Chikungunya</a></span></h3>

Mosquito-borne viral diseases are reported to be the highest during the rainy season. One of them is <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/humid-heat-and-untimely-heavy-rains-could-lead-to-these-health-concerns-article-151697485" data-type="tilCustomLink">Chikungunya</a>. The infection is usually marked by sudden high fever and severe joint pain in the limbs. Other early symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and skin rash.

“The infection is usually not deadly but can cause joint pain for weeks or months. Preventive measures include mosquito control and avoidance of mosquito bites,” the expert advises.

During the monsoon period, gastrointestinal infections are also more common as food and water sources are more likely to get contaminated. Early signs of gut infections may include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, bloating, fever, and dehydration.

The majority are due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The expert said that the risks can be minimized by maintaining food hygiene, drinking boiled or purified water, washing fruit and vegetables before cooking and consuming, and refraining from eating street foods and drinks.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Dengue

leptospirosis

dengue fever

Malaria

Typhoid

Chikungunya

cholera

congo-ebola-outbreak-tops-1200-cases-us-cdc-on-highest-alert

Congo Ebola Outbreak Tops 1,200 Cases; US CDC On Highest Alert

breastfeeding-or-formula-feeding-understanding-what-gives-babies-the-healthiest-start

Breastfeeding Or Formula Feeding? Understanding What Gives Babies The Healthiest Start

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

With the onset of the monsoon, the risk of several water-borne, mosquito-borne, and bacterial infections increases significantly due to stagnant water, flooding, poor sanitation, and contaminated food and water.  Many of these diseases can start with mild symptoms similar to the flu, but if they're diagnosed early, you can get the appropriate medical care in time, avoiding serious complications.  Early Symptoms Of Various Monsoon Diseases  One of the important ways to prevent monsoon infections and diseases is to identify warning signs early, Dr. Amit Saraf, Director, Department of Internal Medicine, Jupiter Hospital, told HealthandMe.  Leptospirosis Leptospirosis gained attention after its cases surged in Kerala recently. The infection has also been reported in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The bacterial infection typically spreads via contact with water or soil that has been contaminated by the urine of animals infected with leptospirosis, especially during floods.  Initial signs and symptoms include: High fever Chills Intense muscle pain (especially in calves) Headache Red eyes Nausea Vomiting“Wearing protective footwear, avoiding wading in floodwaters, and covering any open wounds will help minimize the risk of infection,” Dr Saraf recommended. Typhoid Typhoid, a bacterial illness, is transmitted via contaminated food and water. Early symptoms include:High fever Headache  Weakness  Loss of appetite,  Abdominal pain Constipation or diarrhea Body aches Dr. Saraf said: “It can cause serious gastrointestinal issues if not treated. Safe drinking water, good hand hygiene, and freshly cooked food are important preventive measures.”  Cholera Cholera is a water-borne bacterial disease that commonly occurs during monsoons. It often begins with excessive watery stools, vomiting, leg cramps, and rapid dehydration. Dehydration can quickly become an immediate danger of cholera.  The doctor said: “Prevention includes drinking clean water, eating hygienically prepared food, and practicing proper sanitation and handwashing.” Dengue Dengue is one of the most common viral diseases spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Often reported in various Indian states during the monsoon, dengue presents with flu-like symptoms. Dengue usually begins with high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, extreme muscle and joint pain, nausea, skin rash, and fatigue. Malaria Malaria, a common monsoon disease, is spread by infected mosquitoes and characterized by the following symptoms:Recurrent fever  Shivering or sweats  Headache Muscle pain  Weakness Nausea Vomiting  Dr Saraf said, “Early diagnosis is important to prevent severe diseases. The best ways of preventing mosquito bites are by using mosquito repellents, mosquito nets, and the elimination of breeding sites.”                               ChikungunyaMosquito-borne viral diseases are reported to be the highest during the rainy season. One of them is Chikungunya. The infection is usually marked by sudden high fever and severe joint pain in the limbs. Other early symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and skin rash. “The infection is usually not deadly but can cause joint pain for weeks or months. Preventive measures include mosquito control and avoidance of mosquito bites,” the expert advises.Gastrointestinal InfectionsDuring the monsoon period, gastrointestinal infections are also more common as food and water sources are more likely to get contaminated. Early signs of gut infections may include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, bloating, fever, and dehydration. The majority are due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The expert said that the risks can be minimized by maintaining food hygiene, drinking boiled or purified water, washing fruit and vegetables before cooking and consuming, and refraining from eating street foods and drinks.