6 COMMON ILLNESSES DURING RAINY SEASON
Illnesses during the rainy season are referred to as “Monsoon Diseases” or “Tropical Illnesses.” Because half of the year in The Gambia is considered rainy season, we believe it's important to know which diseases to watch out for! Here are 6 of the most common monsoon diseases during the rainy season. We've also included essential over-the-counter (OTC) medication for symptom alleviation.
Malaria
Malaria is caused & transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water. When it rains, breeding grounds increase, & consequently so does the prevalence of malaria. According to the Center for Diseases Control & prevention (CDC), some symptoms include:
Check out our Rapid Malaria Test
Typhoid
According to Vinn Hospital, Typhoid is a waterborne bacterial infection caused by salmonella bacteria, through consumption of contaminated food and water. It is similar to Malaria however, anaemia is generally more pronounced in typhoid patients. Symptoms include:
Dengue
Dengue is a monsoon disease spread through mosquito bites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. also called break-bone fever, some symptoms include:
In severe cases, Uncontrolled Bleeding
Cholera
The CDC describes Cholera as “an acute diarrhoea illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. People can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria.” It can be characterised by:
Severe Diarrhoea, particularly Rice-water stools
Common Cold & Influenza (Flu)
Kokilaben Hospital & Medical research institute (KMRI) states “the sudden change in weather, causing fluctuations in temperature, is the main cause of cold and flu during the rainy season.” Both are respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. However, the flu is more severe. Symptoms include:
Check out our Symptomatic Support Package
Diarrhoea
KMRI describes Diarrhoea as” one of the most common health complaints during monsoon season. It can range from a temporary condition to a potential life-threatening one. This can be caused due to the consumption of unhygienic food and water. Some symptoms include:
Check out our Anti-Diarrhoea
Click on the symptoms for US sourced, over the counter (OTC) medications that help with symptomatic relief & alleviation.
GENERAL PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
- Regular hand washing & sanitising
- Ensuring water is clean & safe before use
- Thoroughly cleaning fruits and vegetables before consumption
- Invest it Mosquito repellent & bed nets
- Consume immune system boosters
- Wear breathable garments
- Practice proper body hygiene
If you are experiencing any severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention from the nearest hospital. However, Innovarx Global Health offers Doctor Consultations 7 days a week at our facility, or virtually!
To schedule a Doctor Consultation or for more information, call or WhatsApp us on +220 2826200 or visit us at Fatou Golden Plaza Bertil Harding Highway (Opposite Election House)
Our clinic is open 8am - 9pm Monday - Friday, 10am - 7pm on Saturdays & 10 - 4pm on Sundays.