According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is likely to witness the first rainfall of the season sometime between June 8 to 10, bringing a much-needed relief from the heat. Harsh sun rays will be replaced by cool winds and cooler rains making us all crave fritters, souples, warming chai and more.  However, one must not forget that the onset of monsoon in the city will also bring with itself a wave of illnesses. Effective preventive measures and timely treatment will continue to remain key for optimal health in this wet season.

 
  
Ahead of the monsoon, Mid-day.com consulted three city doctors on the care and prevention of monsoon diseases.   
  
“Monsoon invites various diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and throat infection which can cause harmful effects on overall health and well-being. The air is moist during the monsoon season which attracts a variety of bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, dirt, sand, and minute particles in the environment. These can make the air polluted making individuals fall sick and get affected with various allergies and diseases like eye infection, malaria, cholera, and cough,” Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant - internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel Mumbai tells Mid-day.com.