In the wake of the recent rainy season, health experts are warning of a potential surge in infectious diseases across the country. Dr. Clemente Terrero, an infectious disease specialist at Robert Reid Cabral Hospital, highlights the role of rain in facilitating the spread of harmful microbes that contaminate water, food, and the environment. These contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can lead to severe illnesses such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and sepsis—a life-threatening condition. Additionally, increased humidity fosters the growth of fungi, causing skin diseases like athlete’s foot. Atmospheric changes during rainy periods also promote the emergence of new respiratory pathogen strains, further escalating health risks. One of the most concerning diseases linked to stagnant water is leptospirosis, caused by bacteria transmitted through rat urine. This infection is highly lethal and poses a significant threat to public health. Mosquito-borne diseases are another major concern, as rainfall creates ideal breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit chikungunya, Zika, and dengue fever—the latter being endemic in the region. Malaria, spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, also sees a rise during rainy seasons. In response, health authorities have issued alerts for over 20 provinces, categorizing them into green, red, and yellow zones based on the severity of the situation.