India's monsoon health risks: mosquitoes and unsafe RO water

During the monsoon season, stagnant water and high humidity create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the danger of dengue, malaria and chikungunya. Health experts recommend simple household actions such as using neem or camphor scents, removing standing water from containers, planting basil or lemongrass near windows, applying garlic spray, installing fine mesh on doors and windows, and using mosquito nets at night.

At the same time, reverse‑osmosis (RO) drinking‑water systems can become contaminated when filters, tanks or pipelines are not cleaned regularly, as moisture promotes bacterial and fungal growth. Doctors advise servicing RO units before the rains begin, replacing filters on schedule, sanitising tanks, discarding the first few litres of water after a period of inactivity, and monitoring for off‑flavours, slow flow or odors. Proper upkeep of both mosquito control measures and RO equipment helps prevent gastrointestinal and vector‑borne illnesses throughout the rainy months.