Bangladesh experiences heavy monsoon rainfall from June to August due to its geographical location. Combined with poor urban planning and inadequate drainage systems, this often leads to severe waterlogging in cities and low-lying areas, disrupting daily life and creating significant public health risks.
During the rainy season, two major health threats become common: waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases. Contaminated water from drains and sewage often mixes with drinking water, increasing the risk of diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and hepatitis. Prolonged exposure to dirty water can also cause skin infections and fungal diseases.
Stagnant rainwater in containers, rooftops, flower pots, and discarded tires provides ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, leading to a rise in dengue cases. Climate change has further intensified dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh, making early diagnosis and treatment more important than ever.
Reducing these health risks requires both government action and public awareness. Drinking boiled or purified water, avoiding contact with contaminated water, getting rid of stagnant water around homes, using mosquito nets and repellents and seeking prompt medical care for fever are essential preventive measures. Through collective awareness and responsible action, the health risks of the rainy season can be significantly reduced.
Antor Kumar Dutta
Student, IER
Jagannath University