Cyclones are not only natural disasters that cause physical damage but also bring with them various health risks. With Cyclone Dana approaching Odisha and Kolkata, it's essential to be aware of the common illnesses associated with these storms and the preventive measures to avoid them. Heavy rainfall has been predicted in the six districts, and as per the Indian Meteorological Department, low pressure over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm over the next two days and lead to heavy rainfall as it is expected to make landfall over the coastal states on October 24. Cyclone-related illnesses typically arise from exposure to contaminated water, poor sanitation, and the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Here are some of the most common cyclone-related illnesses to watch out for:

Cyclones lead to heavy rainfall and flooding, which often contaminate drinking water supplies with harmful pathogens. As a result, waterborne diseases become a major threat during and after a cyclone.

- Cholera: Caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, cholera spreads through contaminated water and food. It leads to severe diarrhoea and dehydration, and without proper treatment, it can be fatal.

- Typhoid Fever: This bacterial infection spreads through food and water contaminated with faeces. Symptoms include high fever, abdominal pain, and weakness.

- Dysentery: Both bacterial and amoebic dysentery are common in areas affected by floods. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes blood in stools.

How To Keep Yourself Safe: To keep waterborne diseases at bay, drink only boiled or bottled water, and ensure proper sanitation practices. Avoid eating street food or anything that might have been exposed to floodwaters.

Stagnant water left behind by cyclones creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can lead to an increase in vector-borne diseases.

- Malaria: Mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water can carry the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria. Symptoms include high fever, chills, and body aches.

- Dengue Fever: Another mosquito-borne disease, dengue is common after cyclones due to water stagnation. It causes high fever, joint pain, rash, and in severe cases, bleeding.

- Chikungunya: Like dengue, chikungunya is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes fever and severe joint pain.

How To Keep Yourself Safe: Use mosquito repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets. Ensure that any stagnant water around your home is drained or treated with larvicides.

3. Respiratory Infections

Cyclones often cause increased humidity, overcrowded shelters, and poor ventilation, all of which contribute to the spread of respiratory infections.

- Pneumonia: This infection of the lungs can develop after exposure to cold, wet conditions. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing.

- Bronchitis: Inhalation of dust, debris, and pollutants stirred up by cyclonic winds can cause inflammation in the lungs, leading to bronchitis. Signs include coughing and chest discomfort.

How To Keep Yourself Safe: To avoid respiratory infections, stay dry, maintain hygiene in crowded shelters, and wear masks if dust or pollutants are present in the air.

Floodwaters are often contaminated with harmful bacteria and chemicals, which can cause skin infections, especially when people wade through stagnant water.

- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that results in redness, swelling, and pain, usually occurring after exposure to contaminated water.

- Fungal Infections: Prolonged exposure to wet conditions can lead to fungal infections like athlete’s foot, especially in humid environments.

How To Keep Yourself Safe: Keep the skin clean and dry, avoid walking through floodwaters if possible, and promptly treat any cuts or wounds to prevent infection.

The stress and trauma of surviving a cyclone and its aftermath can take a toll on mental health. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after such events.

How To Keep Yourself Safe: Try to stay connected with family and community to manage stress. Join support groups if required.

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