Mahajan Imaging & Labs Data Reveals Sharp Spike in Seasonal Infection Tests During Monsoon, Experts Stress Early Diagnosis

New Delhi, 22 July 2026: With seasonal infections on the rise during the monsoon months, experts at a public awareness webinar organised by Mahajan Imaging & Labs urged people not to ignore persistent fever or rely on self-medication, stressing that early laboratory testing is critical for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. The webinar, titled “Seasonal Infections, Rain-related Diseases, Prevention & Awareness,” brought together experts to discuss the growing burden of monsoon illnesses, including dengue, malaria, chikungunya, typhoid, hepatitis A & E, leptospirosis, influenza and acute gastrointestinal infections, while highlighting the role of advanced laboratory diagnostics in improving patient outcomes through early and accurate detection.

The discussions come against the backdrop of a recurring rise in seasonal infections during the rainy months. Diagnostic trends at Mahajan Imaging & Labs reflect this pattern, with the laboratory conducting 490, 475 and 404 laboratory tests for seasonal infectious diseases, including dengue, malaria, chikungunya, hepatitis A, leptospirosis and typhoid, between May and July 2025, before witnessing a sharp rise to 937 tests in August and a peak of 1,128 tests in September. While testing volumes declined to 597 in October and 413 in November, they remained elevated, underscoring that seasonal infections continue to pose a health challenge even beyond the peak monsoon months. The trend has continued in 2026, with Mahajan Imaging & Labs performing 2,107 laboratory tests for these infections between January and June alone.

The trend reflects the seasonal increase in infectious diseases seen across India during the monsoon, when heavy rainfall, waterlogging, poor sanitation, contaminated food and drinking water, and mosquito breeding create favourable conditions for disease transmission. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in its Syndromic Surveillance of Infectious Diseases guidance, has identified pathogens such as dengue, malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis, chikungunya and influenza among the priority causes of Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness (AUFI) that require timely laboratory investigation. Since many of these infections present with overlapping symptoms such as fever, body aches, cough and diarrhoea, experts at the webinar stressed that early laboratory testing is essential for distinguishing between diseases, enabling appropriate treatment and preventing complications.

Commenting on this, Dr. Shelly Mahajan, Lab Director, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, said, “One of the biggest challenges during the monsoon is that several infections present with nearly identical symptoms in their early stages. A fever may be caused by a viral infection, dengue, malaria, typhoid or hepatitis, but each requires a different clinical approach. Relying on symptoms alone or starting medication without proper evaluation can delay diagnosis and increase the risk of complications. Advances in pathology, microbiology and molecular diagnostics now enable clinicians to identify infections earlier and with greater accuracy, helping patients receive the right treatment at the right time while also reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. Early diagnosis also strengthens disease surveillance and helps limit the spread of infections during seasonal outbreaks.”

Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Director, Internal Medicine, Paras Health Gurugram, added, “Many patients seek medical care only after trying home remedies or over-the-counter medicines for several days. By then, the underlying infection may have already progressed, increasing the risk of serious complications. Persistent fever lasting more than two days, especially when accompanied by severe weakness, persistent vomiting, bleeding, difficulty breathing or altered consciousness, should never be ignored. Early clinical evaluation, supported by appropriate laboratory investigations, remains the safest and most effective approach to treatment.”

During the webinar, experts explained how advances in pathology, microbiology and molecular diagnostics have transformed the diagnosis of seasonal infections by enabling faster and more accurate identification of pathogens. Participants also received practical guidance on maintaining food and water hygiene, preventing mosquito breeding, practising regular handwashing, recognising early warning signs of seasonal illnesses and understanding when laboratory investigations become necessary. The discussions also highlighted how accurate diagnostics support evidence-based treatment decisions, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and contribute to improved public health surveillance.

Dr. Niraj Kumar, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, ShardaCare Healthcity, said, “One of the biggest challenges during the monsoon is that many people mistake every fever for a simple viral illness or start antibiotics without knowing the actual cause. In reality, dengue, malaria, typhoid, viral hepatitis and several other infections often begin with similar symptoms but require completely different treatment approaches. A fever that persists despite adequate hydration and paracetamol, or is accompanied by vomiting, severe weakness, jaundice, bleeding or breathing difficulty, should never be ignored. Early clinical assessment supported by appropriate laboratory investigations helps identify the exact infection before complications develop, allowing timely treatment while avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use. Equally important is prevention. Simple measures such as maintaining hand hygiene, preventing mosquito breeding around homes, drinking safe water and correcting common misconceptions, such as mosquitoes breeding only in dirty water or every fever requiring antibiotics, can significantly reduce the burden of seasonal infections.”