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Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
10 common monsoon diseases that might cause serious health problems; know symptoms and how to protect yourself
The rainy season offers a refreshing break from the scorching summer, but it also brings a rise in illnesses due to damp conditions, stagnant water, and poor hygiene. These factors create the ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes. From waterborne infections to mosquito-borne diseases, health risks multiply during this time. Increased humidity can also weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable. Being aware of the most common seasonal illnesses can help with early detection and prevention. Below are ten common diseases to watch out for during the rainy season to ensure you and your family stay safe and healthy. Diseases that surge during the rainy season: Symptoms and ways to stay safe Disease Cause Symptoms How to protect yourself Dengue Fever Aedes mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water High fever, severe body pain, rashes, weakness Remove standing water, use mosquito repellent, wear full-sleeved clothes, sleep under bed nets Malaria Anopheles mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium parasites Chills, sweating, fever, vomiting Use insecticide-treated nets, apply mosquito spray, stay indoors at dusk, ensure proper drainage Leptospirosis Contact with floodwater contaminated with infected animal urine Fever, muscle pain, red eyes Avoid wading in floodwaters, wear boots, maintain hygiene, keep surroundings rodent-free Chikungunya Mosquito-borne viral infection Fever, severe joint pain Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, use repellents and protective clothing, clean water containers Typhoid Fever Contaminated food and water Prolonged fever, weakness, abdominal pain, constipation Drink boiled/filtered water, avoid street food, wash hands, get vaccinated Cholera Ingestion of food/water with Vibrio cholerae bacteria Severe diarrhea, dehydration Drink clean/boiled water, wash hands often, maintain food hygiene, avoid raw food Hepatitis A Viral infection from contaminated food or water Jaundice, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain Drink clean water, wash produce, eat hygienically cooked food, get vaccinated Common Cold & Flu Viral infection triggered by monsoon humidity Sore throat, sneezing, cough, fever Maintain distance from sick people, wash hands, strengthen immunity, keep surroundings dry Fungal Infections Damp conditions promoting fungal growth Itchy rashes, athlete's foot, ringworm Keep skin dry, change wet clothes, use antifungal powder, avoid sharing towels/clothes Gastroenteritis Bacterial/viral infection via contaminated food/water Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps Eat freshly prepared food, drink safe water, maintain hygiene, avoid roadside food Common rainy season diseases , their symptoms and prevention Dengue Fever Cause: Spread by Aedes mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water Symptoms: High fever, severe body pain, rashes, weakness Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by a mosquito that thrives on standing water available during the monsoon. Sudden onset of high fever with intense body and joint pain are typically the first signs. Soon after, skin rashes and intense weakness develop. Immediate medical care and adequate hydration are needed to prevent developing complications of dengue hemorrhagic fever. How to protect yourself: Remove standing water around the house (flowerpot, coolers, buckets). Employ mosquito repellants and use full-sleeved clothing. Sleep in bed nets against mosquitoes. Keep windows and doors screened or closed at dawn and dusk. Malaria Cause: Transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes due to Plasmodium parasites Symptoms: Chills, sweating, fever, vomiting Malaria is another mosquito-borne disease that culminates in rainy seasons. The parasites are inoculated into the blood by bites from mosquitoes, and they create cyclical fever patterns accompanied by chills and vomiting. Precautionary measures like sleeping under a mosquito net, applying repellents, and keeping the place clean and free from standing water can reduce risk to a large degree. How to protect yourself: Use insecticide-treated bed nets. Spray mosquito repellents indoors and outdoors. Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours. Maintain proper drainage to avoid mosquito breeding. Leptospirosis Cause: Bacterial infection from water with animal urine Symptoms: Fever, muscle pain, red eyes Leptospirosis occurs when you come into contact with urine-tainted water from infected animals, especially in floods. It produces flu-like symptoms like fever, body pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Avoid wading through floodwaters, practice good hygiene, and consult a doctor if symptoms appear. How to protect yourself: Do not walk through standing or contaminated water. Use protective footwear in heavy rain or cleaning. Practice hygiene and wash feet clean after exposure. Keep rodents out of your home and environment. Chikungunya Cause: Viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes Symptoms: Fever, severe pain in the joints Chikungunya is dengue-like but distinguished by prolonged arthritis-like joint pain. It is transmitted by the same mosquitoes that transmit dengue and most often causes acute fever with blinding joint inflammation. Rest, fluids, and pain control assuage symptoms in the absence of antiviral medication. How to protect yourself: Prevent bites from mosquitoes through repellents and screens. Eliminate breeding sites such as uncovered water tanks. Wear arms and legs covers when stepping outside. Clean water storage vessels regularly. Typhoid Fever Cause: Spread by contaminated food and water Symptoms: Prolonged fever, weakness, pain in the abdomen, constipation Typhoid is a life-threatening bacterial infection that is common during monsoons due to poor sanitation. It causes prolonged high fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues like constipation. Prevent typhoid by practicing food hygiene, drinking purified water, and taking the vaccine in risk-affected areas. How to protect yourself: Drink only purified or boiled water. Avoid raw salads, street food, and unclean restaurants. Wash hands with soap thoroughly before eating. Vaccinate in exposed areas. Cholera Cause: Eating contaminated food or water containing Vibrio cholerae bacteria Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, dehydration Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness that can result in sudden dehydration and death if not treated. It usually results from water or food contaminated with the illness in dirty environments. Oral rehydration therapy promptly is crucial for recovery, alongside water safety and sanitation measures. How to protect yourself: Drink only filtered, clean, or boiled water at all times. Keep yourself clean and dispose of waste safely. Wash hands often, particularly after using the toilet. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked food. Hepatitis A Cause: Viral infection via contaminated water or food Symptoms: Jaundice, fatigue, nausea, pain in the abdomen Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused primarily by drinking contaminated water or food. The symptoms include jaundice, weakness, and gastric disturbance. Vaccination and proper sanitation practices are the best ways to prevent infection. How to protect yourself: Avoid consuming food from dirty food stalls or hawkers. Eat neatly cooked food and clean water. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Immunization is strongly advised in endemic areas. Common Cold and Flu Cause: Viral infection caused by the temperature and humidity Symptoms: Sore throat, sneezing, cough, fever Monsoon weather promotes the spread of respiratory viruses, and a greater number of people get colds and flu. The symptoms are typically mild but cause inconvenience. Rest, excessive fluid intake, and proper hygiene measures, including frequent hand washing, allow for rapid recovery. How to protect yourself: Do not be in close contact with affected persons. Strengthen your immunity through a balanced diet and fluids. Cover mouth with tissues or the elbow while coughing/sneezing. Keep your environment clean and dry. Fungal Infections Cause: Fungi that thrive in damp environments Symptoms: Itchy scaly lesions on skin; athlete's foot; ringworm The rainy season's humid weather is an ideal environment for fungal skin and nail infections. Fungal infections like athlete's foot and ringworm are common in this category. Keeping the skin dry, wearing loose clothing, and using antifungal creams or powder prevent and treat these infections. How to protect yourself: Dry the skin and dress in breathable clothes. Immediately change out of wet clothing. Apply antifungal powders or creams if susceptible to infection. Avoid sharing towels, socks, or shoes. Gastroenteritis Cause: Bacterial or viral infection through contaminated food or water Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps Gastroenteritis causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines and results in vomiting and diarrhea. It is usually picked up through unhygienic food preparation or drinking contaminated water. Proper food hygiene and hydration are needed to avoid the most serious complications. How to protect yourself: All food must be freshly prepared and cooked. Don't consume exposed food from street vendors. Keep food in clean, cover containers. Keep drinking water clean and don't consume ice from unknown sources. Also Read | Bryan Johnson's routine reveals the future of healthy aging and live happily - know how he looks younger than his age One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Daily Express
15-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Diseases that come with floods
Published on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 15, 2025 By: Dr Veshny Ganesan, Dr Holly Girlchy Jastin and Dr Muhd Suhail Abd Wali Text Size: FLOODS are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, affecting thousands of families across Sabah. Beyond the destruction of homes and infrastructure, floods pose a serious health threat by increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Advertisement Understanding these risks and taking preventive measures is crucial for building a resilient community that can withstand and recover from flood-related health challenges. The Health Risks: Diseases That Rise with the Waters Public health officials warn that floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, animal waste, and chemicals, creating the perfect storm for outbreaks of diarrheal diseases, hepatitis, typhoid, and leptospirosis. The hardest hit are typically rural and low-income areas, where access to clean water and sanitation is already a challenge. When floodwater rises, it carries contaminated waste, bacteria, and viruses that can lead to outbreaks of waterborne, vector-borne, and respiratory infections. 1. Waterborne diseases occur from drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water. Leptospirosis spreads through contact with water contaminated by rodent urine. Cholera and diarrhea are caused by bacteria like Vibrio cholerae and E. coli in contaminated water. Hepatitis A and E are viral infections transmitted through contaminated food and water. 2. Vector-borne diseases are spread by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant floodwaters. Dengue Fever and Malaria are caused by mosquitoes that thrive in stagnant water left by floods. Chikungunya and Zika Virus are emerging threats in flood-prone regions. 3. Respiratory infections may occur from overcrowding and poor sanitation in evacuation shelters. Pneumonia and Tuberculosis spread in crowded conditions with inadequate ventilation. Skin and Fungal Infections due to prolonged exposure to dirty floodwater. How Communities can Prevent Disease Outbreaks While floods are inevitable, flood-related diseases are preventable. Communities can take the following precautionary steps to stay safe: Ensure Safe Drinking Water: Boil water for at least one minute or use water purification tablets before drinking. Recovery from flood: Clean and disinfect homes and surroundings after flooding. Dispose of waste properly to avoid contaminating local water sources. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites: Drain stagnant water in homes and public areas to reduce mosquito populations. Practice Personal Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating. Use Protective Gear: Wear boots and gloves when cleaning up flood-affected areas to prevent skin infections and leptospirosis. Seek Medical Help Promptly: If you are experiencing fever, diarrhea, or unusual skin infections, visit the nearest health center for immediate care. The Role of Community in Resilience and Recovery A resilient community works together before, during, and after floods. Here's how communities can strengthen their defenses: Emergency Preparedness Plans: Establish community response teams and evacuation procedures. Local leaders and volunteers can be trained to conduct health talks, distribute water filters, and assist during emergency response operations. Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct health education on flood risks through community meetings, radio broadcasts, and social media. Community Clean-Up Drives: Organize post-flood sanitation efforts to prevent outbreaks. Support for Vulnerable Groups: Ensure that the elderly, children, and people with disabilities receive priority assistance. Call to Action: Be a Flood-Resilient Community! As the climate crisis intensifies, flooding is no longer a seasonal hazard but a recurring public health emergency. By staying informed and prepared, we can protect our families and communities. Join hands in building resilience against flood-related diseases—because a strong, healthy community starts with you! The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Miami Herald
09-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Costco sees one huge area for sales growth, happier members
Costco has never been a leader in much other than offering members low prices. The company only innovates when it has to. During the Covid pandemic, for example, it took charge of its own shipping containers. That was a move made out of need, but it proved the company can be agile when possible. Related: Bankrupt beauty brand to return after $1 billion collapse It has also done really well with Costco Logistics, a company it created because it did not like any of the other options it had for making larger deliveries. "It's about 20% to 25% of our total deliveries for Costco Logistics, but it is about 80% to 85% of our big and bulky," CEO Ron Vachris said during Costco's third-quarter earnings call. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The warehouse club has let its managers make decisions for use to use that resource. "We make our buyers make decisions of what to put through that network and what not to put through it. And so, they look for the best cost delivery source. And so, we know that big and bulky patio furniture, television, safe, those kind of things, all but the super specialty stuff we run through Costco Logistics. So, a big chunk of that business is going through the network of big and bulky," he added. Delivery, however, may not be the biggest opportunity Costco (COST) has. Image source: Bloomberg/Getty Images For years, Costco had a website, but did not even sell anything online. That has changed and the chain not only sells some of what it offers in its warehouses, but also deals from third-party sellers. The warehouse club also has an app, and CFO Gary Millerchip thinks that the company has barely scratched the surface of the potential there. He was asked about it during the call. "And are there any members that haven't used your digital yet in some way, shape or form, or is it still only half the people that really use it?" asked Greg Melich. Millerchip was enthusiastic in his response. "Yeah. It's over half has downloaded the app for sure, but there's still plenty of opportunity for growth in our mind. We still see it as an area where we'd expect to outpace our overall growth," he added. More on travel: US government warns of dating app use in popular cruise portsCarnival Cruise Line rep sounds alarm on growing YouTube problemWhat the CDC's Dengue Fever warning means for Caribbean travel It's not just about getting members to use the app, but also making it better. "And as we continue to improve the member experience with enhancements every quarter, Greg around, whether it's the inventory available on the app or improving the search functionality, improving the way in which we communicate with members, as I talked about earlier on the call, we believe all of those things are going to drive more digital engagement," he added. Millerchip believes that the Costco app may also have in-store uses as well. "We think tied to even some of the comments that Ron was making about speed of checkout, where members use their digital wallet and have their payment card integrated within the wallet, it significantly increases the speed of checkout through the check lane in the warehouse as well," he said. The CFO also made it clear that the app might be useful in ways he's not even considered yet. "So, we still think there's plenty of opportunity to keep driving higher penetration of digital engagement with our members and we think it's got a runway to continue to grow in the future," he added. Related: TSA shares travel warning for Costco members Vachris made more comments on digital and the app later in the call. "We found that digital really enhances the speed of checkout. And so, we are really working hard on the digital membership card usage as well. We've also engaged in some "Scan & Go done by Costco" kind of tests that we're doing out there that have been extremely successful of moving people through the lines and expediting the transactions," he said. "We've seen some very, very early results have been very positive and great adoption from our members seeing that as well." The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What the CDC's Dengue Fever warning means for Caribbean travel
What the CDC's Dengue Fever warning means for Caribbean travel originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. Before you travel, it's always a good idea to review country-specific health information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as travel safety information provided by the U.S. State Department. These notices and travel advisories provide important information to help U.S. citizens guard their health and safety while traveling abroad — whether on a cruise or another type of travelers often focus more attention on destination-specific safety and security threats outlined in travel advisories, it's important to consider travel health notices, too. The CDC recently updated some of these notices, including a vital warning for travelers concerning outbreaks of dengue, a common mosquito-borne disease that can have life-threatening health consequences in some cases. More than 13 million cases of dengue were reported across the Americas and in the Caribbean in 2024, and dengue outbreaks in these areas continue in CDC recently updated its travel health notice about global dengue, warning travelers that a number of countries around the world continue to report increased numbers of cases of the serious disease. In its notice, the CDC also explains that health officials are seeing a concerning rise in the number of dengue cases among U.S. travelers returning from certain countries. Dengue outbreaks are reported regularly in many popular tourist destinations, including cruise ports, in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Related: Royal Caribbean shares new health warning for cruisepassengers Specific countries currently experiencing dengue outbreaks include: Brazil Colombia Comoros Cuba Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands Fiji French Polynesia, including the island groups of Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora-Bora) Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa and Ua Huka) Austral Islands (Tubuai and Rurutu) Guadeloupe Guatemala Iran Mexico Pakistan Panama Philippines Saint Lucia Samoa Sudan, and Tonga. Public health officials in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have also declared dengue outbreaks. If you're taking a cruise to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Mexico, Panama, or Saint Lucia, you should be especially careful and take steps to protect yourself from is caused by a virus that's spread by mosquito bites, so the CDC advises travelers visiting risk areas to be diligent about preventing them. The CDC's recommendations for mosquito bite prevention include: Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors Sleep in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens If you do get mosquito bites during a cruise or other trip to a destination with a dengue risk, there are a few things to know and key symptoms to look out for following your trip. Dengue can take up to two weeks to begin, and illness generally lasts less than a week. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding. If you develop a fever or experience other symptoms of dengue, you should see a health care provider and inform them of your some cases, dengue can become severe within a few hours, quickly turning into a medical emergency that typically requires hospitalization. Severe dengue can lead to hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding), shock (seriously low blood pressure), organ failure, and even death. Even if you don't get sick, if you've recently visited a dengue risk area, you should also continue protect yourself from mosquito bites upon your return home to reduce the chance of spreading dengue. The CDC advises that travelers returning from a destination with a dengue risk should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks in order to avoid spreading dengue to mosquitoes that could spread the virus to other people. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
RNZ News
09-06-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Increased movement of people making dengue outbreaks more common, says mosquito expert
The Lautoka City Council carried out anti mosquito spraying soon after a Dengue Clean Up campaign over the weekend. Photo: Ministry of Health & Medical Services - Fiji Dengue fever outbreaks have been surging in recent decades but new initiatives like infecting mosquitos with bacteria or genetic modification could dramatically slow the spread. According to the World Health Organization there was just over 500,0000 reported cases in 2000 - ballooning to 5.2 million in 2019. Last year, there were 14 million dengue cases - a record number dwarfing the previous 2023 high of 6.5 million. This year, there's been 2.5 million. Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands have all declared dengue outbreaks . Samoa, Fiji and Tonga have each had at least one death from the viral infection. Greg Devine from the World Mosquito Program said increased globalisation is making outbreaks more common. Devine said mosquitos that carry the virus "hitchhike around the world" and the increased movement of people is increasing those infected by dengue. Devine said a lot of people also don't have immunity. "They don't have any protection against it because they've never been exposed to it before," he said. "Dengue comes in four different serotypes, so just because you've had one doesn't mean you can't get another." Photo: 123RF He said climate change was having an increasing impact . "We are hotter and wetter than we've ever been before and that's great for mosquitoes. It also means that the virus in mosquitoes is replicating more rapidly." The aedes aegypti mosquito - which carries dengue - is considered a tropical or subtropical mosquito, but Devine said warmer weather would also increase the mosquitoes' range of where it inhabits. In the Pacific, health ministries are trying to stamp out mosquito breeding grounds and are spraying insecticides outside. But Devine said doing so has had limited success in reducing the spread. He said the aedes aegypti mosquito is "completely reliant upon humans for its blood meals" which meant it liked to stay indoors, not outdoors where the majority of the spraying happens. "Outdoor use of insecticides, it's perhaps better than nothing and the truth is that the community wants to see something happening. "That's a very visible intervention but the reality is, there's a very limited evidence base for its impact." Mosquitoes continually exposed to insecticides would also evolve resistance, Devine said. The World Mosquito Programme infects mosquitos with a naturally occurring bacteria called Wolbachia, which stops viruses like dengue growing in the mosquitoes' bodies. Photo: 123RF "It's been trialled in New Caledonia , where it's been extremely successful," Devine said. "In the years since, the mosquito releases have been made by the World Mosquito Program, there's been no dengue epidemics where once they were extremely common." He said genetically modified mosquitoes were also being looked at as a solution. "That's a different kind of strategy, where you release large numbers of mosquitoes which have been modified in a way which means when those males interact with the local mosquito female population, the resulting offspring are not viable, and so that can crash the entire population." When asked if that could collapse the entire aedes aegypti mosquito population, Devine said he wouldn't be "particularly worried about decimating numbers". "People often refer to it as the kind of cockroach of the mosquito world. "It's very, very closely adapted to the human population in most parts of its range. The species evolved in Africa and has since, spread throughout the world. It's not a particularly important mosquito for many ecosystems."
