Heavy Rainfall Causes Water Logging| It's Effects on Health: Malaria, Dengue, Cholera, Chickungunya!

The first monsoon is a great relief after hot summers and a great gift for farmers. But, the heavy rain causes a lot of destruction and water logging and thus becoming a home for many deadly diseases. 

When the rain water doesn't get a proper drainage, they get pooled and are known as standing water, stagnant water, water logging or more, which can be dangerous to your health as they increase the risk of various infectious diseases.

Let's talk about the health effects and diseases caused by water logging:

1. Parasitic diseases: 

Water logged areas provide a favorable environment for deadly viruses and parasites to grow, which can cause 

• Dengue Fever: Dengue is a viral infection caused by mosquitos that leads to severe flu-like symptoms, including high fever, muscle and joint pains, headache and skin rashes.
• Malaria: Malaria is a very common mosquito-borne disease which is caused by a parasite and transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms of malaria include chills, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
• Chikungunya: Chikungunya results in a sudden rise in body temperature, severe joint pain, headache and rash. It is transmitted through infected mosquitoes.

Suggested Read: From Mosquitoes To Humans: How Dengue Fever Spreads

2. Infection in eyes:

Water logging can lead to eye infections when this contaminated water comes in contact with the eyes which can cause discomfort to your eyes due to infections like

• Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, also known as Pink Eye, is an eye condition where the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eye and eyelids, becomes inflamed. This membrane has small blood vessels that become enlarged when the conjunctiva becomes irritated, leading to a reddish appearance of the eye. 
• Keratitis: The inflammation in the cornea (the clear front layer of your eyes) is termed as keratitis. It includes symptoms like redness, pain, tearing, blurred vision and light sensitivity.

Suggested Read: Eye Flu: The Pink Eye

4. Skin infection:

When your skin gets into contact with logged water, the bacteria and fungi can transfer onto your skin causing fungal infections such as

• Eczema: Eczema is a condition that weakens the barrier function of your skin which is responsible for helping your skin retain moisture and protecting your body and thus causes your skin to become dry, itchy and bumpy.
• Dermatitis: Dermatitis is a common skin condition that leads to swelling and irritation of the skin and often involves itchy, dry skin or a rash.

Suggested Read: What's Causing Your Skin Rash

5. Respiratory infections: 

The spores of bacteria, virus or parasites from the logged water can get into your airways by getting mixed along with the air you breathe. These mold spores cause irritation in the airways and cause respiratory issues like asthma, and allergic rhinitis.

• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which your airways get narrowed and swollen and are further blocked by excess mucus production thus causing difficulty in breathing and wheezing.
• Allergic rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergic condition that causes sneezing, congestion in nose and watery eyes.

Suggested Read: The Healing Power of Yoga for Asthma Patients

6. Gastrointestinal infections: 

Water logging can cause gastrointestinal infections as it creates a suitable environment for bacteria, viruses and parasites to grow and reproduce easily. And when you drink this contaminated water, it can cause various stomach infections.

So, in order to prevent such health hazards it is important to take precautions towards proper drainage of water, and sanitation. 

Suggested Read: 7 Home Remedies to Prevent Diarhhea