Dr. Haroon Hussain shares expert advice on preventing monsoon diseases in an exclusive VB interview
The arrival of the monsoon season brings with it a mixed bag of emotions. While the refreshing rains provide relief from the scorching heat, they also usher in a host of health challenges. The increased humidity and waterlogged surroundings create ideal breeding grounds for disease-causing pathogens, leading to a spike in illnesses. In coastal regions like Mangaluru, these challenges are particularly pronounced due to the geographical location and proximity to water bodies.
Amidst this backdrop, Dr. Haroon Hussain, a renowned physician working at KMC Hospital in Mangaluru, provides valuable insights into the prevention and management of monsoon-related diseases. In a interview with Vartha Bharati, Dr. Haroon shared his expertise on the most common diseases that afflict the region during this season, stressing the importance of personal protection, special care for vulnerable populations, and the role of nutrition and hygiene in maintaining good health.
In this comprehensive interview, Dr. Haroon delves into the modes of transmission, key symptoms, and signs of prevalent diseases such as vector-borne infections like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. He also highlights the risks associated with water contamination, leading to diseases like typhoid fever, stomach flu, and diarrhea. By raising awareness about these diseases, Dr. Haroon aims to empower individuals to identify early warning signs and seek prompt medical attention when necessary.
Excerpts from the interview with Dr. Haroon Hussain (MBBS, MD) on measures to prevent and reduce risks of diseases during monsoon:
Q. The arrival of monsoons aggravates several kinds of diseases. Which are the most common ones that you think people should be aware of, especially in coastal regions like Mangaluru?
Dr. Haroon: In this geographical location, the most frequently observed diseases are vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. Additionally, we also come across chikungunya, which is spread by mosquitoes.
Q. What are the primary modes of transmission for these diseases?
Dr. Haroon: Vector-borne diseases are transmitted through the bite of insects like mosquitoes or fleas. Diseases can also spread due to water contamination, resulting in typhoid fever, stomach flu, and diarrhea.
Q. What are the key symptoms and signs that individuals should be aware of to identify these diseases?
Dr. Haroon: Each disease has its own set of symptoms, but fever is generally a common indication of infection. For instance, flu symptoms typically involve throat pain, difficulty in swallowing, sneezing, coughing, fever, body ache, and joint pain. Malaria and dengue can cause extreme sickness, with symptoms like low platelet count, bleeding, vomiting, and dehydration. Cholera manifests symptoms related to the digestive system, including watery diarrhea and severe dehydration.
Q. Which specific contagious diseases are expected to be of concern in our city during the monsoon season?
Dr. Haroon: Leptospirosis, locally known as "ili jvara" or rat fever, is one of the most common diseases in rain-ravaged areas. People can get infected by coming in contact with the urine of carriers of this disease, which are primarily rodents. Walking barefoot or having cuts and abrasions on the skin can increase the risk of transmission. This disease can be life-threatening, so it's important to wear footwear that prevents water from coming in contact with the feet, as rainwater and sewage water may be contaminated by the carriers of the disease.
Q. As viral fever is generally known to be self-limiting, when should people who are infected seek professional medical help?
Dr. Haroon: It is difficult to determine the infection without a proper diagnosis. It's always better to consult a doctor rather than presuming the illness. Infected individuals should watch out for red flag signs, such as extreme tiredness, changes in consciousness, blood in urine or stools, inability to eat, headache, and vomiting. People with underlying health conditions should not take any fever lightly and should seek immediate medical attention.
Q. How important is vaccination in preventing contagious diseases during the monsoon season? Should influenza vaccines and measles vaccines be taken during monsoon to prevent infection?
Dr. Haroon: Influenza vaccines are highly recommended, and I suggest consulting a medical expert before taking them. Additionally, pneumococcal and typhoid vaccines can also be considered, but not everyone requires them. Only individuals at high risk of severe manifestations of certain diseases should consider them after consulting with their doctor.
Q. What dietary measures will you suggest to boost immunity during monsoon?
Dr. Haroon: The most important ways to boost immunity are by drinking boiled and cooled water, consuming freshly cooked food while avoiding outside food, and washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Practicing proper hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and following appropriate food handling and preparation practices are also vital in preventing the spread of infections.
Q. As children are most prone to contagious diseases, what extra measures should be considered?
Dr. Haroon: Parents should ensure that their kids carry a proper umbrella and preferably send an extra pair of clothes in case they get wet in the rain. It's better if children wear covered clothing and waterproof footwear. Furthermore, children should be taught proper handwashing techniques, and if they exhibit any symptoms, they should not be sent to school to prevent the spread of infection.
Q. As malaria is endemic in Mangaluru, what are the countermeasures to be taken to keep ourselves safe?
Dr. Haroon: : To prevent mosquito bites, personal protection measures should be followed, including wearing covered clothing. Special care must be given to vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. It's crucial to eliminate any mosquito breeding sources near your house. Coming together as a community and volunteering to solve the issue or informing the civic authorities can make a significant difference.
End of excerpts
Dr. Haroon Hussain's insights and recommendations on preventive measures during the monsoon season are invaluable for individuals and communities in coastal regions like Mangaluru. As we enter this season, it is crucial to be aware of the common diseases and their modes of transmission. By following Dr. Haroon's advice on personal protection, hygiene practices, and nutrition, we can significantly reduce the risks of infections.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of preparedness, and Dr. Haroon emphasizes this lesson in the context of monsoon-related diseases. His call for community engagement and volunteering to tackle disease outbreaks resonates strongly, underscoring the collective responsibility we have in safeguarding public health.
By being proactive, seeking medical attention when needed, and following vaccination recommendations, we can mitigate the impact of contagious diseases.
In conclusion, Dr. Haroon Hussain's expertise and recommendations serve as a guide for individuals, families, and communities to stay healthy and prevent disease outbreaks during the monsoon season. Let us heed his advice, adopt preventive measures, and work together to make this monsoon a season of good health and well-being for all.
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Christmas decorations vandalised by VHP activists at school in Nalbari; Tension in area
Nalbari: Tension prevailed in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district on December 24 after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the premises of St Mary’s School and vandalised materials prepared for Christmas celebrations.
According to local sources, activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal entered the school campus ahead of Christmas and raised slogans inside the premises. It is alleged that Christmas-related decorations and materials kept within the school compound were damaged and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that members of the Bajrang Dal were the first to enter the campus, during which they allegedly raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and burnt items prepared for Christmas celebrations. The incident created panic among local residents and led to concerns over law and order in the area. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident comes amid reports of similar acts in Nalbari town in recent days, where Christmas decorations displayed at several commercial establishments were allegedly set on fire.
Reacting to the incident, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair said on social media that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists entered St Mary’s School on Christmas Eve, raised slogans and destroyed Christmas decorations. His post drew attention to the incident and sparked wider discussion online.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
On Christmas Eve, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal goons entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra.” They destroyed and set fire to all Christmas decorations prepared at the school. pic.twitter.com/LQHV7FWUvz
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 24, 2025
