Last Updated:July 05, 2025, 14:42 IST
As India welcomes the monsoon season, doctors have reported a sharp spike in cases of stomach infection and water-borne illnesses.
Experts recommend boiling or filtering water, avoiding raw street food, and practicing good hygiene.
As monsoon rains drench cities across India, hospitals are reporting a sharp spike in waterborne stomach infections, with children, the elderly, and pregnant women emerging as the most vulnerable groups.
According to health experts, the seasonal surge in stomach infections is linked primarily to contaminated water, poor hygiene, and the increased consumption of street food. The wet, humid conditions create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which thrive in stagnant water and unhygienic food preparation environments.
What Are The Symptoms Of Stomach Infection To Watch Out For?
Common signs of stomach infection include:
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Weakness and fatigue
- Fever and dehydration
“Dehydration is a serious concern, especially in children,” warns Dr. Rituja Ugalmugle, Internal Medicine specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. “Even mild symptoms can quickly escalate if clean fluids and timely medical attention are not ensured.”
Dr Aniket Mule, Consultant Internal Medicine at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, adds: “The contamination often comes from sewage mixing with drinking water during heavy showers. Eating open or uncovered food, especially cut fruits or raw salads, further increases the risk.”
How To Protect Yourself From Stomach Infection This Monsoon?
- Boil or filter drinking water, even for brushing teeth or making ice.
- Avoid raw or uncooked food, especially from roadside vendors.
- Wash hands thoroughly before meals and after using the restroom.
- Stick to home-cooked meals, especially for children, seniors, and pregnant women.
- Monitor symptoms early and consult a doctor at the first sign of trouble.
Pregnant women should be especially cautious, as even minor gastrointestinal upsets can affect maternal and fetal health. Ugalmugle says, “Pregnant women should take special care during the monsoon season, as stomach infections tend to impact maternal and fetal health. Mild dehydration or gastrointestinal upsets can have more severe implications in pregnancy. Adhering to homemade food, drinking only boiled or filtered water, and consulting medical authorities at the onset of discomfort is highly advised.”
As monsoon-related illnesses surge, small steps in hygiene and food safety can go a long way in protecting your family’s health. Prevention, vigilance, and early care remain key.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
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