The rainy season brings cooler weather and relief from the heat — but it also brings more infections. Stagnant water, mosquitoes, and poor drainage increase the spread of several common illnesses across Ghana.
At Citi Pharmacy, we see a spike in these cases every April-July and August-October. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself and your family.
6 Common Rainy Season Diseases in Ghana
1. Malaria
Why in rainy season: Mosquitoes breed rapidly in stagnant water.
Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, joint pains, sweating, nausea, tiredness.
Prevention: Sleep under insecticide-treated nets, wear long sleeves in the evening, clear stagnant water around your home, use repellents.
Treatment: Early testing is key. Do not self-medicate with antibiotics. Visit Citi Pharmacy or a clinic for a Rapid Diagnostic Test. Artemisinin-based therapies are prescribed by a doctor.
2. Cholera & Diarrheal Diseases
Why in rainy season: Rain floods gutters and contaminates drinking water.
Symptoms: Watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal cramps.
Prevention: Drink clean, boiled or bottled water, wash hands with soap, avoid street food exposed to flies, keep food covered.
Treatment: Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) immediately. Zinc for children. Seek hospital care if vomiting persists or stool contains blood.
3. Typhoid Fever
Why: Caused by contaminated food and water.
Symptoms: Prolonged fever, stomach pain, headache, loss of appetite, weakness.
Prevention: Practice food safety, wash fruits, ensure water is treated, get vaccinated if advised.
Treatment: Requires prescription antibiotics after lab test. Our pharmacists can guide you on supportive care and hygiene.
4. Common Cold, Flu & Respiratory Infections
Why: Cold, damp weather and more indoor crowding.
Symptoms: Runny nose, sore throat, cough, mild fever, sneezing.
Prevention: Wash hands often, keep warm, avoid close contact with sick people, improve ventilation.
Treatment: Rest, fluids, paracetamol. Most are viral — antibiotics don’t help unless a doctor says so.
5. Skin Infections (Fungal & Bacterial)
Why: Excess moisture, sweaty clothes, and walking through flood water.
Symptoms: Itchy rash, athlete’s foot, boils, ringworm.
Prevention: Keep skin dry, change out of wet clothes quickly, use clean towels, wear slippers in flooded areas.
Treatment: Antifungal creams or antiseptics. Visit a pharmacist for the right cream based on the infection.
6. Dengue Fever
Why: Spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes that breed in clean stagnant water.
Symptoms: Sudden high fever, severe headache behind eyes, joint/muscle pain, skin rash.
Prevention: Same as malaria — clear flower pots, tires, and gutters. No stagnant water at all.
Treatment: No specific drug. Rest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol for fever. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen if dengue is suspected until doctor confirms.
How to Stay Safe This Rainy Season
1. Clear gutters and containers weekly — no stagnant water.
2. Use mosquito nets and repellents every night.
3. Drink safe water — boil, filter, or buy sealed.
4. Keep a home health kit: ORS, paracetamol, hand sanitizer, first aid basics.
5. See a pharmacist early — don’t wait 3 days to test a fever.
At Citi Pharmacy, we offer rapid malaria tests, ORS, mosquito nets, and pharmacist consultations to help you stay protected.
FAQs
1. Why do diseases increase in Ghana during the rainy season?
Rain creates breeding sites for mosquitoes and washes contaminants into water sources. This increases malaria, cholera, typhoid, flu, and skin infections.
2. What should I do if my child has fever and vomiting in rainy season?
Do a malaria test within 24 hours. Give ORS for vomiting, monitor temperature, and visit a clinic or pharmacy immediately. Don’t give leftover antibiotics.
3. Can I prevent malaria with medication?
Preventive drugs are only for specific groups like pregnant women or travelers on doctor’s advice. For most people, nets and clearing stagnant water are more effective. Talk to our pharmacist.
4. What items should I keep at home during rainy season?
ORS sachets, paracetamol, thermometer, insecticide-treated net, hand wash, hand sanitizer, and a small first aid kit. Citi Pharmacy can help you pack one.
References
- Ghana Health Service. Seasonal Disease Surveillance.
2. World Health Organization. Malaria Fact Sheet.
3. WHO. Cholera Prevention and Control.
4. Mayo Clinic. Dengue Fever – Symptoms and Causes.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Visit Citi Pharmacy or your healthcare provider for personalized care.
