Monsoon in Kerala 2024
The monsoon season is approaching in Kerala, promising lush greenery, cool breezes and relaxation. However, despite its natural beauty, heavy rain and increased humidity also pose health risks. This comprehensive blog covers important health precautions and tips to stay safe and healthy during his 2024 monsoon season in Kerala.
Monsoon in Kerala
Also known as ‘God’s own country’, Kerala has a unique monsoonal climate characterized by heavy rain, high humidity and occasional thunderstorms. The southwest monsoon typically begins in June and lasts until September, bringing abundant rain to the region, nourishing the lush vegetation and replenishing water sources. While the monsoon is critical to Kerala’s ecosystem and agriculture, it also poses health problems due to water-borne diseases, vector-borne diseases, and environmental hazards.
1 Stay well hydrated and practice good hygiene habits
During the monsoon season, it is important to stay hydrated and maintain good hygiene habits to prevent water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and gastroenteritis. Drink plenty of clean, purified water and avoid street food and drinks from unsanitary sources. To reduce the risk of bacterial and viral infections, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or handling food.
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2 Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases
With the onset of monsoon rains, mosquito breeding sites proliferate, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and long pants, using mosquito repellent, and installing mosquito nets or screens on windows and doors. Eliminate standing water around your home to prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of disease.
3 Prepare for floods and landslides
Heavy rains during the monsoon season can cause flooding and landslides, posing a threat to life and property. Stay up to date on weather forecasts and evacuation procedures for your area. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as food, water, medicine, and first aid supplies. During extreme weather events, avoid traveling to areas at risk of flooding and heed local authorities’ evacuation warnings.
4 Strengthen your immune system with nutritious foods and supplements
A healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help strengthen your immune system and protect you from seasonal illnesses. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet. Consider taking vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc supplements to support your immune system during the monsoon season. Stay active with regular exercise and get enough rest to ensure your body is ready to fight infections. Heading 5: Practice safe food handling and preparation practices
During the monsoon season, improper storage and handling of perishables increases the risk of food contamination and food poisoning. Store food properly in clean, dry containers and refrigerate leftovers immediately. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, and cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the recommended internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria and parasites.
Common diseases during the monsoon season
1) Dengue fever: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash. In severe cases, dengue fever can cause dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
2) Malaria: Malaria is another mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus. Symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, headache, body aches, and fatigue. If left untreated, malaria can lead to serious complications that can lead to organ failure and death.
3) Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rodents. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, jaundice, and red eyes. In severe cases, organ failure and meningitis may occur.
4) Chikungunya: Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, joint or muscle pain, headache, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Chikungunya fever is rarely fatal, but it can cause debilitating joint pain and arthritis-like symptoms that can last for several months.
5) Typhoid fever: Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by the Salmonella bacteria and is often transmitted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include persistent fever, headache, weakness, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and diarrhea or constipation. If untreated, typhoid fever can lead to serious complications such as intestinal perforation and sepsis.
5) Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. Gastroenteritis is often transmitted through contaminated food or water, especially during the monsoon season when sanitation can be compromised.
6) Respiratory infections: Due to higher humidity during the monsoon season, respiratory infections such as colds, flu, and pneumonia become more common. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, and difficulty breathing. Good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands and avoiding close contact with sick people, can help prevent respiratory infections.
7) Fungal infections: Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and fungal skin infections are common during the monsoon season as they thrive in warm, humid environments. These infections can cause itching, redness, scaling, and discomfort. To prevent fungal infections, keep your skin clean and dry, wear breathable clothing, and avoid sharing personal items.
Conclusion:
To enjoy the beauty and bounty of the monsoon season in Kerala, it is important to prioritize your health and well-being. By following these important health precautions and tips, you can minimize the risks associated with monsoon diseases and enjoy a safe and healthy rainy season. Stay hydrated, maintain good hygiene, avoid mosquito bites, be prepared for emergencies, and nourish your body with nutrient-dense foods and supplements. With proactive measures and awareness, we can make the most of the monsoon while protecting our health and well-being in God’s kingdom.
