Staying Healthy During Liberia's Rainy Season

Liberia's rainy season runs from May to October, and while the rainfall is a welcome relief from the heat, it brings serious health risks. Malaria cases spike sharply, waterborne diseases spread through flooded areas, and respiratory infections become more common. With the right preparation, your family can stay healthy all season long.

1. Malaria — The Biggest Rainy Season Threat

Malaria cases in Liberia increase dramatically during the rainy season. Why? Because Anopheles mosquitoes breed in standing water — and rain creates standing water everywhere. More mosquitoes mean more bites and more transmission.

What to do:

Sleep under a treated mosquito net every night — even when it seems cool enough that mosquitoes are less likely
Empty any containers that collect water around your home: buckets, old tyres, flower pots, blocked gutters
Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin from dusk onwards
Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings
If anyone in the household develops fever, chills, or body aches — test and treat immediately. Do not wait.

Do not self-medicate for malaria with leftover drugs. Take a rapid diagnostic test first, then get the correct prescription treatment. Drug resistance is a growing problem when people take incomplete or wrong treatments.

2. Typhoid Fever — From Contaminated Water and Food

Flooding during the rainy season contaminates water sources and affects food hygiene. Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, spreads through contaminated water and food. It causes high, persistent fever, severe headache, stomach pain, and weakness.

Prevention:

Only drink water that has been boiled, filtered, or comes from a safe sealed bottle
Wash all fruits and vegetables with clean water before eating
Avoid buying cooked food from roadside sellers during flooding — food contamination risk is high
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet

Typhoid needs antibiotic treatment — it will not get better on its own. If you have a persistent high fever lasting more than 3 days, see a doctor. A blood test can confirm typhoid.

3. Cholera — Act Fast If Struck

Cholera outbreaks in Liberia occur most commonly during the rainy season when floodwater contaminates wells and water sources. Cholera causes sudden, severe, watery diarrhoea and vomiting that can lead to fatal dehydration within hours if untreated.

Prevention:

Only drink safe, treated water
Cook all food thoroughly and eat it while still hot
Frequent handwashing with soap — this single habit prevents most cholera transmission

Cholera is a medical emergency. If someone has sudden, severe, watery diarrhoea like "rice water," go to hospital immediately. While waiting, give ORS continuously to prevent dehydration.

4. Respiratory Infections — Cold, Flu and Pneumonia

Getting wet in rain and the rapid change between hot sun and cool rain creates ideal conditions for respiratory infections. Coughs, colds, flu, and pneumonia are more common in the rainy season, especially in children and the elderly.

What to do:

Change out of wet clothes immediately and dry off properly
Keep children warm in the evenings — light clothing during the day, warmer cover at night
A persistent cough with difficulty breathing or very high fever in a child needs immediate medical attention — it may be pneumonia

5. Skin Infections and Fungal Conditions

Humidity, constant dampness, and flooding increase the risk of fungal skin infections (ringworm, athlete's foot), infected wounds, and skin rashes. Mosquito bites that are scratched open in humid conditions can become badly infected.

Keep skin clean and dry. Apply antiseptic to any cuts or scratches promptly. If a skin infection is spreading, getting warm, or producing pus, see a pharmacist — it may need antibiotic cream or tablets.

Your Rainy Season Health Checklist

✓ Treated mosquito nets in good condition — no holes, tucked in properly
✓ Mosquito repellent stocked up at home
✓ ORS sachets for diarrhoea and dehydration
✓ Paracetamol for fever management
✓ Antiseptic solution and bandages
✓ Safe water source confirmed — boiling or filtering water
✓ Vitamin C and Zinc supplements to support immunity
✓ Know where your nearest pharmacy and clinic is

Stock Up for Rainy Season at Ducor Pharmacy

We have everything you need to stay healthy this rainy season — mosquito repellents, ORS, paracetamol, antiseptic, vitamins, and prescription antimalarials. Delivered to your door across Liberia.

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