Why Do We See So Many Cases Of Fever During The Monsoon?
The Monsoon Brings Conditions That Favour Many Infections. Stagnant Water Increases Mosquito Breeding, While Contaminated Food And Water Can Spread Infections Such As Typhoid And Hepatitis. Exposure To Wet Soil And Vegetation Can Increase The Risk Of Scrub Typhus And Leptospirosis. Respiratory Viruses Also Continue To Circulate. Thus, Monsoon Fever Is Not One Particular Disease.
What Are The Common Causes Of Fever During This Season?
The Common Possibilities Include Viral Fever, Influenza, COVID-19 and viral pneumonia, Malaria, Dengue, Typhoid, Scrub Typhus, Leptospirosis And Viral Hepatitis. Urinary And Other Bacterial Infections Can Also Present With Fever. The Causes Vary According To The Patient’s Age, Symptoms, Location And Exposure.
How Does An Ordinary Viral Fever Usually Present?
Viral Infections Commonly Cause Fever, Headache, Body Ache, Tiredness, Sore Throat, Cough, runny nose, or sometimes vomiting and loose motions. Most Uncomplicated Viral Illnesses Settle With Rest, Adequate Fluids And Symptomatic Treatment. However, Persistent Or Worsening Fever Should Not Automatically Be Labelled As “Viral.”
When Should Malaria Be Considered?
Malaria Should Be Considered When There Is Fever, Particularly When Associated With Chills, Sweating, headache, and body ache, In Areas Where Malaria Is Prevalent. The Classical Pattern Of Fever Is Not Always Present. Since Some Forms Of Malaria Can Become Serious, Appropriate Testing Is Important When It Is Suspected.
Why Is Scrub Typhus An Important Cause Of Fever In Central India?
Scrub Typhus Is Increasingly Recognised As An Important Cause Of Acute Fever. It Is Transmitted By Infected Mite Larvae And Is Associated With Exposure To Grass, Vegetation, Fields And Rural Or Semi-rural Environments. Fever, Headache, Body Ache, Cough, vomiting, or abdominal symptoms may occur. A Small Dark Scab Called An Eschar May Be Present At The Site Of The Bite, But It Is Not Always Seen.
Is Dengue The Only Mosquito-borne Fever During The Monsoon?
No. Malaria Is Equally Important, And The Symptoms Of Both Infections Can Overlap. Dengue May Cause High Fever, Severe Body Ache, Headache, Pain Behind The Eyes, Nausea And Sometimes A Rash. However, Symptoms Alone Cannot Reliably Distinguish Dengue From Other Febrile Illnesses.
What Is Leptospirosis, And Who Is At Risk?
Leptospirosis Is A Bacterial Infection That Can Occur After Exposure To Floodwater,
Contaminated Water Or Wet Soil, Particularly Where There Has Been Contact With Infected Animal Urine. Fever May Be Accompanied By Severe Muscle Pain, Headache, vomiting, and weakness. Severe Infection Can Affect The Kidneys, liver, or lungs, So Early Recognition Is Important.
Can Respiratory Infections Cause Fever During The Monsoon?
Yes. Influenza, Covid-19 And Other
Respiratory Viruses Can Cause Fever Along With Cough, Sore Throat, Body Ache And Fatigue. Some Patients Can Develop Pneumonia. Breathlessness, rapid breathing, or low oxygen saturation are warning signs that require prompt medical attention.
Can Hepatitis Initially Look Like An Ordinary Fever?
Yes. Hepatitis A and E, Commonly Transmitted Through Contaminated Food And Water, May Initially Cause Fever, Tiredness, Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Jaundice May Develop Later. Yellow Eyes Or Skin, Dark Urine Or Significant
Abdominal Symptoms Should Not Be Ignored.
Author: Dr Jay Deshmukh
Dr Jay Deshmukh is Chief Physician and Director, Sunflower Hospital, Nagpur Honorary Physician to Honorable Governor of Maharashtra and PondicherryCentral. Dr Jay Deshmukh is an M.B.B.S., M.C.P.S., F.C.P.S., M.N.A.M.S., MD From Internal Medicine – Bombay and New Delhi.
