Waterborne Diseases
Welcome to our blog post about water borne diseases. Water borne diseases are a major public health concern, affecting millions of people around the world. In this article, we’ll be exploring the causes and effects of water borne diseases, as well as ways to prevent and treat them. We’ll also discuss how water borne diseases can be a serious threat to communities and how we all have a role to play in reducing the spread of water borne diseases. So, keep reading to learn more about this important issue and how you can help.
Introduction: What are Waterborne Diseases?
Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogens that are present in water. These diseases can be spread through contact with contaminated water or by consuming contaminated food or water. Waterborne diseases can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, door handles, or countertops.
It is estimated that at least 2 billions people around the globe use a drinking water source contaminated with faecal matter. Water contaminated with faeces poses a great risk to human health.
Microbiologically contaminated water can transmit diseases such as dysentery, diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and Legionnaire disease. Each year approximately 485,000 deaths among the human population is associated to diarrhoea. It shall be noted that 25 % of the world population do not have access to safe drinking water.
Waterborne diseases can be prevented by using clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. It is also important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands often and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces.
Causes & Types of Water Borne Diseases
Water borne diseases are caused by a variety of factors, including contaminated water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. Water can become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause illnesses.
There are many different types of waterborne diseases, and they can be divided into three main categories: bacterial, viral, and protozoal.
Bacterial waterborne diseases are caused by bacteria present in contaminated water. Some examples of bacterial waterborne diseases include cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
Viral waterborne diseases are caused by viruses present in contaminated water. Some examples of viral waterborne diseases include hepatitis A, poliomyelitis, and rotavirus.
Protozoal waterborne diseases are caused by protozoa present in contaminated water. Some examples of protozoal waterborne diseases include giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis.
Brief Description of Some Waterborne Diseases and Associated Symptoms
Dysentery
Dysentery is an inflammation of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus. The disease is highly contagious and can be passed on by lack of hygiene. There two common forms of dysentery, namely bacillary dysentery caused by shigella bacteria and amoebic dysentery caused by a single celled parasite known as entamoeba histolytica.
The most common Symptoms are diarrhoea containing mucus or blood. Other symptoms that may be felt by contaminated persons are stomach cramps, vomiting and high fever.
A patient infected with dysentery usually feels better on its own after 3 to 7 days. However, it is strongly advised to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Painkillers, such as paracetamol can help to reduce pain and fever.
Legionnaire Disease
Legionnaires` disease is a lung infection one can get by inhaling water droplets in the form of aerosols contaminated by a bacteria known as Legionella. The most common contaminations places are offices, hospitals, and hotels. You may get contaminated by breathing contaminated fine water droplets from air conditioning systems, when showering with hot water, in hot tubs or by inhaling fine mist diffused by humidifiers.
Common symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain fever and flue.
If you’re diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, you’ll likely be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are the most effective way to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to make sure you get the care you need. Legionnaires` disease can also be fatal.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus that is spread in the poo of a contaminated person. You may get infected by drinking unclean water containing the virus or eating food that has been washed with unclean water or food that has been handled by a contaminated person. Hepatitis A can also be contracted by close contact during sexual intercourses. The disease may also proliferate among drug addicts who share the same needles for drug injection.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and jaundice. Treatment for hepatitis A typically includes supportive care and vaccination. Most people infected with Hepatitis A feel better within a few months.
Cholera
Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is typically spread through contaminated water or food. Symptoms of cholera include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Treatment for cholera typically includes rehydration therapy and antibiotics.
Polio
Polio has now become a rare disease thanks to vaccination programs worldwide. However, Polio is a serious infection that spreads through contact with poo of a contaminated person (hands not properly washed) and by consuming contaminated food or water. Polio is a contagious disease and can also be spread through cough or sneezes.
Most often a contaminated person will have symptoms like a mild flu such as headaches, aching muscles, vomiting, extreme tiredness and fever. However, in some rare cases contaminated persons may develop more serious symptoms that affects the brain and nerves that lead to paralysis (most often the legs). Paralysis of breathing muscles can be fatal. Most people recover from these serious symptoms after a few weeks, but some may remain permanently paralyzed.
There is no specific treatment for polio, so better make sure you are vaccinated.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi and is typically spread through contact with poo of an infected person or by consuming contaminated water or food. Symptoms of typhoid fever include high temperature, headache, nausea, extreme tiredness, cough, and constipation. As the infection progresses a contaminated person may develop other symptoms such as loss of appetite, tummy pains and diarrhoea . If not treated, the symptoms will worsen over weeks and death may result.
Treatment for typhoid fever typically includes antibiotics and supportive care.
There are many other types of waterborne diseases (some are mentioned above), each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. If you think you may have been contaminated with a waterborne pathogen, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Ways to Prevent Water Borne Diseases
Below are some precautions you can adopt in order to avoid contamination with waterborne pathogens:
- Boil water before drinking it. This will kill any pathogens that may be present.
- Use clean water for cooking and washing.
- Avoid contact with contaminated water. This includes swimming in contaminated water, as well as contact with sewage or animal waste.
- If you must contact contaminated water, wear protective clothing, such as gloves, boots, and a mask.
- Wash your hands often, especially after contact with contaminated water or someone who is sick.
- Keep food and water clean. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them and cook food thoroughly.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations. Some waterborne diseases, such as cholera, can be prevented by vaccination.
- Practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands regularly and keeping your surroundings clean.
By following these tips, you can help prevent waterborne diseases.
Conclusion: The Importance of Preventing Water Borne Diseases
We have seen throughout this blog the importance of preventing water borne diseases. These diseases can have a devastating effect on our health and can even be deadly. By taking some simple precautions, we can avoid these diseases and stay healthy.
One of the best ways to prevent waterborne diseases is to practice safe water handling. This means using clean water for drinking, cooking, and washing, and avoiding contact with contaminated water. If you must contact contaminated water, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
It is also important to practice good hygiene. This means washing your hands often, especially after using the restroom or coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. Be sure to also clean and disinfect any surfaces that may be contaminated.
If you follow these simple tips, you can help prevent waterborne diseases and keep yourself and your family healthy.
References:
Clean Water – Our World in Data
Legionnaires’ disease – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Hepatitis A – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Typhoid fever – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
