Vector-Borne & Waterborne Infections Surge As Monsoon Fuels ‘Barsati Bukhar’

As monsoon rains continue to lash large parts of the country, hospitals are witnessing a spike in what health experts describe as “Barsati Bukhar Syndrome”—a seasonal surge in illnesses including dengue, typhoid, viral fevers, gastrointestinal infections, and respiratory ailments.

Explaining the trend, Dr. Vijay Kumar, Director and Head of the Department of Pulmonology & Critical Care Medicine at Yatharth Superspeciality Hospital, Faridabad, told The Outlook Health: “Barsati Bukhar, which translates to ‘rainy season fever,’ is not a single disease but a cluster of infections that commonly occur during the monsoon season in India. It includes a variety of vector-borne, water-borne, and respiratory illnesses that thrive in the wet and humid climate.”

The seasonal uptick has been attributed to environmental factors that accompany the monsoon—such as water stagnation, contaminated drinking sources, and poor ventilation in crowded indoor spaces. According to Dr. Kumar, “The monsoon creates an environment highly favorable for the spread of pathogens. High humidity and stagnant water encourage mosquito breeding, leading to diseases like dengue and malaria. Flooding contaminates water sources, increasing water-borne infections such as leptospirosis and typhoid. Additionally, people tend to stay indoors in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, which facilitates the spread of respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19.”

Hospitals are seeing a rise in patients presenting with high fever, headaches, body aches, and rashes—symptoms often associated with dengue and chikungunya. Dr. Kumar noted: “Gastrointestinal symptoms, jaundice, respiratory distress, and fatigue are also common. The overlap in symptoms can make diagnosis challenging.”

On the difficulty of distinguishing between similar illnesses, Dr. Kumar acknowledged that many of these conditions present in a similar way, but added that certain markers can help clinicians differentiate them. “Patients with dengue often report severe muscle pain and rashes, while jaundice may be marked by yellowing of the eyes and skin, along with fatigue. Respiratory distress can point toward viral or bacterial pneumonia, or worsening COVID-19,” he explained.

Therefore, no fever should be ignored, and consulting a doctor is strongly advised.

Preventive measures are equally important. It is recommended to eat fresh, warm, and light food; drink only boiled or filtered water; and sleep under a mosquito net or ensure that rooms are mosquito-free and well-ventilated. When symptoms are mild, self-care such as complete rest and adequate intake of fluids and light food may suffice.

However, Dr. Kumar stressed the importance of not overlooking warning signs. “Red-flag symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or bleeding should prompt urgent medical attention. These signs could indicate serious complications,” he warned, adding that one must see a doctor immediately in such cases.

Diagnosis, he said, typically involves evaluating clinical history, exposure risk, and targeted laboratory tests. Treatment protocols depend on the underlying cause. “Viral illnesses often require supportive care, while bacterial infections may need antibiotics. It's critical to avoid self-medication and misuse of antibiotics to prevent drug resistance,” Dr. Kumar advised.

On preventive strategies, he offered a clear set of guidelines for the public: “Eliminate mosquito breeding sites, use insect repellents and nets, drink boiled or filtered water, avoid street food, wear protective footwear in flooded areas, practice good respiratory hygiene such as mask-wearing and ventilation, and ensure vaccinations are up to date for typhoid, hepatitis A, influenza, COVID-19, and Japanese encephalitis.”

Dr. Kumar also stressed the importance of community participation and awareness. “Public awareness is absolutely vital. People need to recognize symptoms early and seek medical care promptly. Community participation in prevention efforts can drastically reduce disease transmission and the seasonal disease burden.”

He concluded with a reminder: “Prevention is always better than cure. With climate change and urbanization, these illnesses may evolve further. Integrated surveillance, timely diagnosis, and community cooperation are key to managing health risks during the monsoon.”

Dr. Vijay Kumar Director & HoD of Pulmonology & Critical Care Medicine at Yatharth Superspeciality Hospital, Faridabad