During the 2022 rainy season, Thailand has experienced frequent rainfall, increasing the risk of illnesses associated with this season. Below are 5 common rainy-season diseases to be vigilant about:

1. Respiratory Infections

Cold, humid weather promotes pathogen growth, and rain droplets can easily carry germs into the respiratory tract. Common illnesses include:

• Common Cold: Caused by various viruses.

• Influenza (Flu): Caused by influenza A/B viruses, leading to high fever, headache, body aches, and respiratory symptoms.

• COVID-19: Continues to circulate as a major respiratory infection.

• Pneumonia: Lower respiratory tract infection caused by bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses, or fungi.

2. Gastrointestinal Infections

Caused by consuming contaminated food/water:

• Acute Diarrhea: From bacteria (Salmonella, Vibrio) or viruses (Rotavirus).

• Food Poisoning: Bacterial contamination triggers abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

• Viral Hepatitis (A/B): Causes liver inflammation, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

3. Skin/Mucous Membrane Infections

Exposure to polluted water (e.g., floods, sewage):

• Leptospirosis ("Rat Urine Disease"): Transmitted via rodent urine in water. Symptoms: sudden high fever, headache, red eyes, muscle pain, diarrhea, acute kidney failure.

• Skin Infections: Bacterial/fungal infections from wading in dirty water, causing rashes, boils, or pus-filled blisters.

4. Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Spread by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water:

• Dengue Fever: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit the dengue virus, causing high fever, low platelets, bleeding, or fatal shock.

• Chikungunya: Aedes mosquitoes cause sudden fever, joint pain, rash, and red eyes.

• Malaria: Anopheles mosquitoes lead to fever, chills, headache, nausea, and potential liver/kidney failure.

• Japanese Encephalitis (JE): Culex mosquitoes transmit the JE virus, causing brain inflammation, high fever, seizures, paralysis, or death.

5. Conjunctivitis ("Pink Eye")

Caused by viruses in dirty water entering the eyes. Symptoms: redness, burning, irritation, and excessive discharge.

Prevention Measures

• Maintain hygiene: Wash hands/feet frequently.

• Keep the body warm and dry.

• Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition.

• Exercise regularly.

• Complete recommended vaccinations.

• Seek immediate medical care if symptoms arise.