The monsoon season offers relief from the summer heat but also brings an increased risk of seasonal illnesses, especially waterborne diseases. Conditions such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and gastroenteritis tend to rise during this period, with children being particularly vulnerable. Their developing immune systems and frequent hand-to-mouth habits make them more susceptible to harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that thrive in warm, humid environments. To reduce these risks, parents should be especially cautious and adopt effective preventive measures. Maintaining hygiene, ensuring safe drinking water, and practising healthy eating habits can go a long way in safeguarding children during the rains.
How to keep your children safe from waterborne diseases this monsoon
Ensure safe drinking water
According to UNICEF, hundreds of children under five die daily from diarrhoeal diseases that could be prevented through basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Many more miss school due to illnesses caused by unsafe drinking water. Children in urban slums, rural areas, and regions affected by climate change are especially vulnerable, as extreme weather makes water unsafe and scarce.The most effective way to protect children from waterborne diseases is by ensuring their drinking water is safe. Contaminated water carries bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause diarrhoea, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Always provide boiled or filtered water—boil for at least 10 minutes, then store in a clean, covered container. Avoid water left open or stored too long, as it can easily become contaminated. Using a high-quality purifier with UV or RO technology is also a smart preventive measure.
Promote proper hand hygiene
Handwashing is one of the simplest yet most powerful defences against waterborne diseases. Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and clean water—especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after playing outdoors. Encourage the use of handwashing techniques that include scrubbing between fingers, under nails, and around the wrists for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are unavailable, provide a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Good hand hygiene can drastically reduce the risk of diarrhoea and hepatitis A infections.
Avoid street food and unhygienic snacks
Street food may be tempting, but during the monsoon, it comes with heightened risks. Food prepared in unhygienic conditions or washed with contaminated water can quickly lead to stomach infections. Discourage children from buying food from roadside vendors, especially cut fruits, salads, or fried snacks exposed to dust and flies. Instead, offer home-cooked meals and snacks prepared with properly washed vegetables and fruits. Make sure raw produce is rinsed thoroughly with clean water before consumption.
Maintain personal hygiene
Daily baths with clean water are a must during the monsoon, as damp conditions encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria on the skin. Dress children in clean, dry clothes, and change them immediately if they get wet in the rain or while playing. Avoid letting children remain in damp or muddy clothes for long periods, as it can lead to skin irritations, rashes, and fungal infections. Pay special attention to drying areas between the toes and other folds of skin.
Prevent water stagnation
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread diseases like dengue and malaria, which often rise during the rainy season. Ensure that no water accumulates in buckets, flowerpots, or unused containers. Clean and inspect drains regularly, and make sure rooftop water tanks are covered tightly. If there are puddles around your home, try to drain them or sprinkle a safe mosquito-control solution to reduce breeding.
Practice Proper sanitation
Good sanitation is a powerful preventive measure against waterborne diseases. Educate children about using toilets and never defecating in the open. Keep household toilets clean, dry, and free from leaks or overflow. If you’re travelling to rural areas during the monsoon, carry disinfectants or liquid toilet cleaners to maintain hygiene. Remember, contaminated soil and water from improper sanitation can lead to a chain of infections.
Stay alert to symptoms
Even with preventive measures, it’s important to stay alert for warning signs of infection. Symptoms like loose stools, vomiting, fever, stomach cramps, or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) should never be ignored. Seek medical help immediately if your child exhibits any of these signs, as timely treatment can prevent complications. Keep an oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home to manage dehydration until medical care is available.Keeping children safe from waterborne diseases during the monsoon is largely about awareness and prevention. By focusing on clean drinking water, personal hygiene, safe eating habits, and proper sanitation, parents can significantly reduce the risk of illness. The rainy season doesn’t have to mean endless visits to the doctor—simple habits and quick action can ensure your child enjoys the monsoon in good health.Also Read: Stop using fear and force: Teach your kids to obey you respectfully
