The rainy season brings a pleasant feeling after prolonged hot days, but this is also the time when digestive diseases and food poisoning tend to increase. High humidity and the risk of water pollution create favorable conditions for bacteria, viruses and mold to develop, increasing the risk of food being contaminated.
According to Dr. SM Fayaz, Team Leader and Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at KIMS Mahadevapura Hospital (India), one of the leading reasons for the increase in food poisoning cases in the rainy season is the combination of temperature and humidity in the air.
He said that these weather conditions create an ideal environment for pathogens to multiply in food and water sources. Food that is not properly preserved or left in the environment for a long time has a higher risk of infection than usual.
In addition, prolonged heavy rain also increases the risk of water source pollution. According to Dr. Fayaz, flooding or leaks in drainage systems can cause wastewater to enter domestic water sources. When water sources are contaminated, bacteria and pathogens can spread to food during processing and storage.
Some foods at high risk of infection during the rainy season include raw vegetables, salads, chopped fruits, street food and dairy products. If not processed or stored properly, these foods can become a source of poisoning.
Food poisoning is often manifested by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, fatigue and physical weakness. Most cases can recover after a few days if rested and adequately hydrated. However, children, the elderly and people with underlying diseases are at higher risk of complications due to severe dehydration.
Dr. Fayaz recommends that people pay special attention to signs such as prolonged vomiting, severe diarrhea, high fever, blood in stools, or manifestations of dehydration such as dizziness, dry mouth, and oliguria. These are cases that need early medical examination to avoid dangerous complications.
To reduce the risk of food poisoning in the rainy season, people should use boiled or filtered water to ensure safety, prioritize just cooked dishes and limit the use of food left at room temperature for too long. Vegetables and fruits need to be washed thoroughly before use, and avoid eating raw or undercooked food.
In addition, washing hands with soap before eating and after going to the toilet also plays an important role in preventing disease-causing bacteria from spreading through the digestive tract.
Experts believe that with simple measures such as eating cooked food, drinking boiled water, properly preserving food and maintaining personal hygiene, people can significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning as well as common intestinal diseases in the rainy season.
