While the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has noticeably slowed down in many countries around the world, we still need to be cautious about contracting COVID, as well as various other diseases that may spread during the summer. Here are some diseases that can spread in the summer, according to the Times of India:
**Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes**
Mosquitoes thrive in bodies of water such as swamps and lakes, and these insects are known to cause various diseases like malaria, which is caused by a single-celled parasite, and dengue fever, which is transmitted by a type of mosquito called Aedes aegypti that breeds in stagnant water in buckets, barrels, and wells. The incubation period for dengue fever is 4-7 days after exposure to a bite, and symptoms include fever and fatigue.
**Tips to Stay Safe from Mosquito-borne Diseases**
- Use mosquito nets in your home.
- Do not allow water to accumulate or stagnate anywhere around or inside the house.
- Maintain proper hygiene and regularly clean your home.
- You can also use mosquito repellents and creams before going out or even while staying indoors.
**Waterborne Diseases**
Waterborne diseases are another common problem during the summer. Children are particularly vulnerable to these diseases because their immune systems are weaker.
Some of the most common waterborne diseases include:
- **Typhoid**
Caused by the bacteria S. typhi, this disease spreads through contaminated water and is associated with poor sanitation. Eating uncovered or spoiled food or drinking contaminated water are the main causes of typhoid. Symptoms of typhoid include headache, joint pain, fever, and sore throat.
- **Cholera**
Cholera is caused by contaminated food and water, accompanied by symptoms like dehydration, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- **Jaundice**
Jaundice results from poor sanitation and contaminated water and food. It disrupts liver functions and can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, yellow urine, vomiting, and yellowing of the eyes.
- **Hepatitis A**
A viral infection affecting the liver that spreads through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of hepatitis include fatigue, fever, yellowing of the eyes, stomach pain, dark urine, and sudden loss of appetite.
**Tips to Stay Safe from Waterborne Diseases**
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
- Store food in covered places.
- Avoid consuming food from outside.
- Maintain personal and environmental hygiene. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently.
- Ensure that there are no open drains or pits in your area.
- Vaccinate your children on schedule.
**Airborne Diseases**
Due to weakened immune systems, children and the elderly are more susceptible to airborne infections during the summer.
The two most common types of airborne diseases are the common cold and influenza. These viral infections are among the most prevalent and occur due to sudden temperature fluctuations. A weakened immune system makes us more vulnerable to these mild infections, which are accompanied by symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, fever, and chills.
