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Monsoon Maladies: Top Rainy Season Diseases and How To Stay Safe, By Dr. Thomas Koshy, Mumbai, India

People often Google “dengue or malaria symptoms,”“monsoon stomach infection,” or “skin rash during rainy season.” These could be the first red flags.

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Sartaj Singh
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Dr. Thomas Koshy

Dr. Thomas Koshy

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 23: As the monsoon clouds roll in, bringing relief from the heat, they also carry an unwelcome guest—monsoon-related illnesses. While the rains refresh nature, they also turn streets into breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes. Each year, thousands search online for terms like “monsoon fever symptoms,”“rainy season illness list,”and “how to avoid getting sick during monsoon.”

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WHAT ARE MONSOON MALADIES?

Monsoon maladies refer to a group of diseases that surge during the rainy season, particularly in tropical countries like India. These illnesses thrive due to stagnant water, poor drainage, food contamination, and increased mosquito breeding.

COMMON MONSOON-RELATED ILLNESSES

Here’s a list of top monsoon diseases searched on Google every year:

  1. Dengue Fever – Mosquito-borne; causes high fever and low platelet count
  2. Malaria – Another mosquito-linked illness, with chills and fever
  3. Leptospirosis – From wading through floodwater contaminated by animal urine
  4. Typhoid – Spread via unsafe drinking water and unhygienic food
  5. Cholera – A deadly form of diarrhea due to contaminated water
  6. Hepatitis A & E – Infections that attack the liver, often from dirty water
  7. Gastroenteritis – Vomiting and diarrhea from viruses or bacteria
  8. Viral Fevers & Flu – Common cold, sore throat, and body ache
  9. Fungal Skin Infections – Dampness and sweating promote skin rashes and itching

CAUSES AND TRIGGERS (ETIOLOGY)

Monsoon illnesses are primarily caused by:

  • Stagnant water, which breeds mosquitoes (dengue, malaria)
  • Contaminated water and food, leading to typhoid, hepatitis, and cholera
  • Flooded roads, where pathogens like Leptospira enter the body through cuts
  • Humidity, which increases fungal growth on skin and feet

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BODY? (PATHOPHYSIOLOGY)

Each disease works differently:

  • Dengue virus attacks the blood vessels → causes bleeding and fluid leakage
  • Malaria parasite infects red blood cells → leads to anemia and organ damage
  • Leptospira bacteria spread in the blood → damage kidneys, liver, and brain
  • Hepatitis viruses inflame the liver → cause jaundice and fatigue
  • Fungal infections thrive on moist skin → cause itching and peeling

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Look out for these early signs of monsoon sickness:

  • Sudden high fever with chills or body aches
  • Skin rashes or red spots (especially in dengue)
  • Vomiting and loose stools
  • Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Calf muscle pain (leptospirosis)
  • Persistent cough or sore throat
  • Itchy skin folds, especially underarms or groin

People often Google “dengue or malaria symptoms,”“monsoon stomach infection,” or “skin rash during rainy season.” These could be the first red flags.

INVESTIGATIONS AND DIAGNOSIS

Depending on your symptoms, doctors may order:

  • Blood tests (CBC, dengue NS1, malaria smear, Widal test)
  • Liver function and kidney function tests
  • Urine tests (especially in leptospirosis)
  • Stool tests (if diarrhea persists)
  • Ultrasound/X-rays (to detect complications)

TREATMENT OPTIONS – MEDICAL AND RARE SURGICAL NEEDS

Medical Treatment:

  • Paracetamol for fever
  • Antibiotics for typhoid, leptospirosis
  • Antimalarials like artemisinin-based therapy
  • Rehydration for gastroenteritis and cholera
  • Antivirals or supportive care for flu and hepatitis
  • Antifungal creams for skin infections

Surgical Treatment:

In rare cases of intestinal perforation or severe abscess formation (complications of typhoid or leptospirosis), minor surgery may be required.

COMPLICATIONS TO AVOID

When untreated, monsoon diseases may cause:

  • Hemorrhage or shock (dengue)
  • Severe dehydration and electrolyte loss (diarrhea, cholera)
  • Liver or kidney failure (leptospirosis, hepatitis)
  • Sepsis and death in extreme cases

PREVENTION TIPS FOR A HEALTHY MONSOON

  • Drink boiled or filtered water only
  • Use mosquito repellents and nets
  • Avoid roadside food and cut fruits
  • Dry clothes and shoes properly
  • Wash hands and feet regularly
  • Get early medical help for any persistent fever

FINAL WORD

The monsoon is beautiful—but is also a breeding ground for diseases. Don't wait for a fever to strike. Stay informed, stay dry, and stay protected. The key to avoiding monsoon infections is prevention, early recognition, and timely care. Because when the rain pours, your health doesn’t have to suffer.

DR.THOMAS KOSHY,

 MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE), MHA, FCCP, FACP(USA), FRCP(Glasgow), FRCP(London).

FELLOW OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, USA.

FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS, GLASGOW.

FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, LONDON.

Is a Consultant in General Medicine, Cardiology & Diabetology since past 35 years

CONSULTING IN:

(1)Holy Trinity Hospital, Mulund West   

OPD: 10 am to 12 noon & 7 pm to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday 

022-25641155 / 022-25644477 / +91-9324543305                                                                            

(2)Fortis Hospital , Mulund(W) 

OPD: 8am to 10 am, Monday to Saturday

022-41114111

(3)Dr.L.H.Hiranadani Hospital,  Powai  

OPD: 2 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday,    022-71023500

(4)Adi Arogyam Hospital, Vikhroli, Tuesday & Friday, 5pm to 7pm

(By prior appointment only: 022-25786100 / 022-25716167)

(5)M.T. Agrawal  Municipal Hospital,  Mulund(W)

www.drthomaskoshy.com / drkoshy.thomas@gmail.com / +91-9821033704 

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