Dr. Bhavya C. Adroja
MD Pediatrics | Co-Founder, Opal Hospital
The monsoon brings much-needed relief from Ahmedabad’s summer heat. But along with rain and cooler weather, the rainy season can also bring an increase in several infections that commonly affect children.
During the rainy season, parents may notice more children coming down with fever, cough and cold, diarrhoea, vomiting, skin infections and mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria.
This does not mean that every fever during monsoon is dengue or malaria. Many childhood illnesses are caused by common viruses and settle with supportive care. However, some infections can become serious if warning signs are missed.
The good news is that simple precautions at home, early recognition of symptoms and timely medical assessment can help protect children. In this guide, we explain 10 common monsoon-related health problems in children and what parents should watch for.
Monsoon and Children’s Health: Why Should Parents Be Careful?
Rainy season illness in children is often linked to mosquito breeding, contaminated food or water, reduced hand hygiene and more time spent in damp, humid conditions. Parents in Ahmedabad should stay alert for child fever during monsoon, diarrhoea, breathing difficulty and mosquito-borne infections — without assuming every fever is dengue or malaria.
If you are unsure, it is safer to have a sick child assessed by a pediatrician in Ahmedabad rather than relying on self-diagnosis.
1. Dengue in Children
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue transmission often follows seasonal patterns, with transmission frequently increasing during and after rainy seasons.
Children with dengue may develop:
- High fever
- Headache
- Body or muscle pain
- Pain behind the eyes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash
- Weakness
- Poor appetite
One important point for parents is that a fall in fever does not always mean the child is completely out of danger.
In severe dengue, warning signs can appear around the time the fever decreases. These include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, rapid breathing, marked weakness or restlessness, and pale or cold skin.
What should parents do?
If your child has persistent fever or symptoms suggestive of dengue, consult a pediatrician for appropriate assessment. Do not start antibiotics or other medicines on your own. If severe warning signs appear, seek medical attention immediately.
Opal Hospital tip: For suspected dengue in children in Ahmedabad, do not wait if warning signs appear. Our pediatric team at South Bopal can assess fever, hydration and danger signs promptly. Call +91 9099007517.
2. Malaria in Children
Malaria is another mosquito-borne illness that can affect children. Fever may be accompanied by:
- Chills
- Sweating
- Headache
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Poor appetite
Because different childhood infections can produce similar symptoms, parents should avoid assuming that every monsoon fever is simply “viral fever.” A child with unexplained or persistent fever may need medical assessment and, when appropriate, testing.
Prevention matters
Parents can reduce mosquito exposure by:
- Using mosquito nets
- Using appropriate mosquito protection
- Covering exposed skin
- Removing stagnant water around the home
3. Viral Fever
Viral infections are among the most common causes of fever in children. A child may have:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body ache
- Tiredness
- Reduced appetite
Most uncomplicated viral infections improve with supportive care. However, parents should pay attention to the child’s overall condition, not just the temperature on the thermometer.
If the child is unusually sleepy, unable to drink, having difficulty breathing, repeatedly vomiting or becoming progressively worse, medical evaluation is important.
4. Diarrhoea and Vomiting
Diarrhoea and vomiting are particularly important during the monsoon season. Contaminated food or water and inadequate hand hygiene can contribute to gastrointestinal infections.
India’s National Health Mission specifically identifies summer and monsoon as important periods for childhood diarrhoea prevention and promotes ORS, zinc, handwashing, safe drinking water, sanitation and timely referral.
The biggest concern: dehydration
Watch for:
- Dry mouth
- Excessive thirst
- Reduced urine
- Weakness
- Unusual sleepiness
- Poor drinking
ORS can help replace fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhoea. Age-appropriate feeding and breastfeeding should generally continue.
When should parents seek medical care?
Seek medical advice if the child:
- Cannot drink or breastfeed
- Is repeatedly vomiting
- Has blood in the stool
- Has signs of dehydration
- Becomes unusually sleepy
- Is getting worse
5. Cough, Cold and Respiratory Infections
Rainy weather, changes in temperature and increased circulation of respiratory viruses can result in more children presenting with cough and cold. Common symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
Most simple respiratory infections are viral. But breathing difficulty is never something parents should ignore.
Seek prompt medical attention if your child has:
- Difficulty breathing
- Very fast breathing
- Chest pulling in while breathing
- Bluish lips
- Severe weakness
- Difficulty drinking because of breathing problems
6. Skin Rashes and Fungal Infections
Ahmedabad’s humid monsoon weather can make children sweat more and remain damp for longer periods. This can contribute to skin irritation and some fungal infections.
Parents may notice:
- Redness
- Itching
- Rashes
- Irritation in skin folds
- Moist or peeling skin
- Circular or patchy skin lesions
Simple prevention
Practicing good daily hygiene is essential for effective rainy season diseases and prevention:
- Keep your child’s skin clean and dry to protect against prevalent monsoon diseases and fungal infections.
- Change wet clothes after playing in the rain and avoid keeping damp clothing against the skin for long periods to minimize the risk of a skin-related rainy season disease.
- If a rash spreads, becomes painful, develops pus, is accompanied by fever, or signals a more serious rainy season illness, consult a pediatrician immediately.
7. Conjunctivitis
Red or watery eyes can occur during outbreaks of infectious conjunctivitis. Children may have:
- Red eyes
- Watering
- Eye irritation
- Sticky discharge
Teach children to wash their hands regularly and avoid rubbing their eyes. Avoid sharing towels, handkerchiefs and other personal items.
If there is significant eye pain, sensitivity to light, vision changes, swelling around the eye or worsening symptoms, medical assessment is recommended.
8. Food and Water-Borne Infections
During monsoon, food and water hygiene becomes particularly important. Children should be encouraged to:
- Drink safe drinking water.
- Wash hands before eating.
- Wash fruits and vegetables appropriately.
- Avoid uncovered food.
- Avoid food that appears spoiled.
- Keep feeding utensils clean.
- Eat freshly prepared food whenever practical.
These simple habits can reduce the risk of several gastrointestinal infections.
9. Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Dengue and malaria are not the only reason to take mosquito prevention seriously. Parents sometimes focus only on protecting children at night.
However, Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue can bite during the daytime, so mosquito protection should not be limited to bedtime.
Look for stagnant water around your home
Check:
- Flower pots and trays
- Buckets
- Water coolers
- Old tyres
- Open containers
- Water storage areas
- Construction materials
- Balcony containers
- Roof areas
- Discarded bottles or cans
Empty, clean or properly cover water-holding containers. Mosquito prevention starts at home.
10. Fever That Does Not Improve
Fever is one of the most common reasons parents seek medical advice during monsoon. The cause may be a simple viral infection, but persistent or worsening fever can sometimes indicate an illness that needs further evaluation.
Parents should seek medical advice if fever is associated with:
- Poor drinking
- Repeated vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe abdominal pain
- Bleeding
- Unusual sleepiness
- Reduced urine
- Convulsions
- Severe weakness
- Rapid worsening of the child’s condition
Remember: The number on the thermometer is only one part of the assessment. The child’s age, symptoms, examination and overall condition are also important.
How Can Parents Keep Children Healthy During Monsoon?
A few simple habits can make a significant difference for rainy season diseases and prevention:
- Prevent mosquito breeding. Check your home regularly for stagnant water.
- Protect children from mosquito bites. Use appropriate mosquito protection during both daytime and nighttime.
- Encourage handwashing. Children should wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet.
- Give safe drinking water. Make sure drinking water is safe and stored appropriately.
- Keep food hygienic. Avoid uncovered or questionable food.
- Keep children dry. Change wet clothes after playing in rain.
- Continue appropriate nutrition. Do not unnecessarily stop feeding during common illnesses. During diarrhoea, age-appropriate feeding and breastfeeding should generally continue.
- Avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections and should only be used when medically indicated and prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Don’t ignore warning signs. If your child looks significantly unwell, seek medical advice rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe.
When to Visit Opal Hospital
At Opal Hospital, South Bopal, Ahmedabad, parents can seek pediatric evaluation when a child develops persistent fever, recurrent vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, breathing problems or other concerning symptoms.
Seek urgent medical attention if your child has:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe dehydration
- Inability to drink or breastfeed
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Bleeding
- Convulsions
- Unusual or reduced responsiveness
- Severe weakness
- Pale or cold skin
- Rapid deterioration
- Warning signs suggestive of severe dengue
For suspected severe dengue, WHO recommends immediate medical care when warning signs occur. When in doubt, it is safer to have a sick child assessed by a pediatrician rather than relying on self-diagnosis.
Opal Hospital — Pediatric & Neonatal Care
Worried about your child’s fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough or other monsoon-related symptoms? Don’t wait if your child is getting worse or showing warning signs.
Consult the pediatric team at Opal Hospital, South Bopal, Ahmedabad, for appropriate evaluation and care.
Book an Appointment | Call +91 9099007517 | 24/7 Pediatric Emergency: +91 9099007527
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every fever during monsoon dengue?
No. Many different infections can cause fever in children. Dengue is one possibility, but the child’s symptoms, examination and clinical assessment determine whether further evaluation is needed.
Can dengue mosquitoes bite during the daytime?
Yes. Aedes mosquitoes can bite during the daytime, so children should be protected from mosquito bites throughout the day.
What should I give my child during diarrhoea?
ORS is an important part of preventing and treating dehydration. Continue appropriate feeding and breastfeeding. Zinc is also recommended in childhood diarrhoea management according to Indian health guidance.
Should I give antibiotics whenever my child has fever?
No. Fever does not automatically mean a bacterial infection. Antibiotics should only be used when medically indicated and prescribed by a healthcare professional.
When is a child’s fever an emergency?
The temperature alone does not determine whether an illness is an emergency. Difficulty breathing, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, seizures, unusual sleepiness, severe weakness or rapid deterioration are important warning signs.
How can I protect my child from dengue?
Reduce mosquito exposure and eliminate stagnant water around the home. Remember that dengue-transmitting Aedes mosquitoes can bite during the daytime.
Is monsoon dangerous for newborn babies?
Newborns require special attention because they can become unwell quickly and may not show obvious symptoms. Fever, poor feeding, breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness or other concerning changes should be assessed promptly by a medical professional.
About the Medical Review
Written for Opal Hospital, South Bopal, Ahmedabad, Department of Pediatric & Neonatal Care. Medically reviewed by Dr. Bhavya C. Adroja, MD Pediatrics. Last updated August 2026.
This article is intended for general health education and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified pediatrician. Every child is different. If your child appears seriously unwell or develops any emergency warning signs, seek immediate medical attention.
