Waterborne diseases you need to be prepared for this monsoon
What's the story
Enjoying rain is a highlight of the monsoon season. However, it also brings many diseases to the forefront.
During this time, water sources become contaminated, leading to the spread of various illnesses. It is crucial to be aware of diseases and take preventive measures to protect your health.
This monsoon, let us get to know about the most common waterborne diseases.
Typhoid
Typhoid
Typhoid is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi and is transmitted through contaminated food and water. As the bacteria enters one's body, it starts to multiply and spreads to the bloodstream, causing typhoid fever.
Symptoms include high fever, headache, stomach pain, and loss of appetite.
To prevent typhoid, practice good personal hygiene, consume clean and properly cooked food, and drink safe and purified water.
Cholera
Cholera
Cholera is frequently seen in remote areas where deprivation and poor sanitation are pervasive.
The illness, which causes severe muscle cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, is spread via tainted water.
Cholera can be lethal within days or even hours of introduction to the germs.
To prevent cholera, drink treated water, avoid consuming raw or undercooked food, and wash your hands with soap and water.
Malaria
Malaria
Monsoon often leads to the spread of mosquitoes. Malaria is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
The disease is characterized by recurrent cycles of fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, malaria can lead to organ failure and even death.
Prevention strategies include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A
Consuming tainted food and water or being near an infected person are the two main ways to contract hepatitis A, which is a liver illness.
Symptoms include fatigue, bowel motions that are a clay color, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, especially near your liver, loss of appetite, and sudden fever.
Vaccination against hepatitis A is essential for prevention.
Giardia
Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a diarrheal illness brought on by the parasite Giardia duodenalis, which lives in human intestines and spreads to other people through excrement.
The main infection points are still ponds and streams, but it is also found in swimming pools and the water supply in urban areas.
Diarrhea, stomach cramps, and greasy feces are the key symptoms.
Drink purified/boiled water for prevention.