Mumbai doctor explains what to do if a child gets sick after contact with dirty rainwater

There is an increase in leptospirosis cases in Mumbai during the monsoon season, which is a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with water contaminated by the urine of infected rats, cattle, or dogs. This risk is particularly high for children who often play in puddles or walk barefoot during the rains.

Dr. Amol Jaybhai, an infectious disease consultant at Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital, notes that Mumbai has recorded more leptospirosis cases this year compared to the same period in previous years. The diagnostic difficulty lies in the fact that symptoms may appear several days after contact with contaminated water, and parents might forget this detail.

According to Dr. Jaybhai, symptoms usually begin to manifest within two to fourteen days after contact with contaminated water. This means a child could have walked on flooded streets, returned to school, and lived a normal life for several days before suddenly developing fever, chills, muscle aches, or headaches. These signs can easily be mistaken for a common viral infection.

Bacteria can enter the body through even small scratches or cuts on the skin, as well as through the eyes, nose, or mouth. This makes children playing barefoot near dirty or stagnant water more vulnerable. With timely treatment, the infection is often controlled, but with delayed treatment and the development of severe illness, it can affect vital organs.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that untreated leptospirosis can cause kidney damage, meningitis, liver damage, and breathing problems, and severe cases can be life-threatening.

Parents should seek immediate medical attention if a child who has recently been in contact with dirty water develops a persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or if they start urinating significantly less than usual. These signs may indicate the onset of vital organ involvement.

Mumbai city authorities have also intensified control over monsoon-related diseases. Data from January to July 2026 shows an increase in cases of malaria, dengue fever, and leptospirosis across the city. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) advised people who walked through stagnant water or mud with cuts to consult a doctor. Depending on the situation, a doctor may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics within 24–72 hours after contact.

The BMC has also increased inspections at construction sites where water may accumulate and expanded fumigation campaigns in residential areas as part of the overall monsoon response.

There is reason for parents to be reassured: leptospirosis is usually well-responsive to antibiotics if detected and treated early. However, Dr. Jaybhai cautions parents against self-medicating children with antibiotics. The correct medication, dosage, and duration depend on a thorough medical evaluation, as well as the doctor's understanding of the child's symptoms and recent medical history.

The best protection starts with minimizing contact with dirty rainwater. During heavy rains, parents are advised to keep children away from puddles and flooded roads, preferring indoor activities when streets flood. Any cuts or scratches should be covered with waterproof bandages before going outside. If avoiding contact with rainwater is impossible, children must thoroughly wash their feet afterward and dry them carefully, including between the toes.

Doctors also advise consuming boiled or filtered water and controlling the rat population around the home, as rat urine is the main source of infection in cities. An important habit parents can maintain during the monsoon season is remembering where the child was. If a fever develops days or even weeks after walking or playing in dirty rainwater, be sure to inform a doctor. This detail can help the doctor consider leptospirosis at an early stage, initiate proper treatment, and prevent the infection, which responds well to timely antibiotics, from turning into a serious illness.