Water Borne Disease - Types, Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Max Lab

Nov 09, 2022

Did you know that waterborne diseases can cause about 90% of all diarrhea illnesses in developing countries and are responsible for about 25% of hospital admissions? It's shocking to think that something as basic as water, which we use on a daily basis, can pose such a serious health risk. Find out more in this article about the dangers of contaminated water and how you can avoid them!

Water Borne diseases are one of the leading causes for life expectancy in developing countries. In developing countries, diarrhea is the primary cause of death among children. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that each year, at least 5 lakh people die from waterborne diseases.

The types of waterborne diseases

There are many different types of waterborne diseases, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. The most common types of waterborne diseases include:

• Typhoid fever: Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that is spread through contaminated food or water. Fever, headache, stomach pain, and diarrhea are among the symptoms. Treatment typically involves antibiotics.
• Cholera: Cholera is a bacterial infection that is spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Treatment typically involves rehydration and antibiotics.
• Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a viral infection that is spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Treatment typically involves supportive care and vaccination.
• Shigellosis: Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that is spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Treatment typically involves antibiotics.

Symptoms of water borne disease

Waterborne illnesses are caused by pathogens — bacteria, viruses, parasites or other organisms — that contaminate water. Anyone can get a waterborne illness, but some groups such as young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill.

Common symptoms of waterborne disease include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Headache and muscle aches

If you experience any of these symptoms after coming into contact with contaminated water, seek medical attention immediately.

Causes of water borne disease

There are many different causes of waterborne diseases, but they can generally be classified into two categories: contaminated water and contact with contaminated water.

• Contaminated water is the primary cause of waterborne diseases. This can happen when water is contaminated with sewage, industrial waste, or agricultural runoff. It can also occur when natural sources of water, such as lakes and rivers, become contaminated.
• Contact with contaminated water is the second major cause of waterborne diseases. This can happen when people come into contact with contaminated surface water, such as when swimming in a lake or river. It can also happen when people drink contaminated water or use it for cooking or cleaning.

Ways to prevent waterborne diseases

There are many ways to prevent waterborne diseases, and it is important to be aware of them in order to protect yourself and your family.

One of the best ways to prevent waterborne disease is to practice safe water habits. This means using clean, safe water for drinking, cooking, and bathing, and avoiding contact with contaminated water. It is also important to clean up any standing water that could serve as a breeding ground for disease-carrying organisms.

Another way to prevent waterborne disease is to get vaccinated against common illnesses such as cholera and typhoid. These vaccines can help protect you if you are exposed to contaminated water.

Finally, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of common waterborne diseases so that you can seek medical attention if you become ill. Some symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and muscle pain. If you experience any of these symptoms after coming into contact with contaminated water, see a doctor immediately.

What to do if you think you're infected with a waterborne disease

If you think you're infected with a waterborne disease, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. But there are also some things you can do at home to help ease your symptoms and prevent the disease from spreading.

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated and help your body flush out the infection. Avoid dehydrating substances including alcohol, coffee, and sugary beverages.
• Get plenty of rest to help your body heal.
• Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain relief and fever reduction.
• Stay away from people who are sick, and wash your hands often to avoid spreading the disease.
• If you have a weakened immune system, take extra precautions to avoid infections, such as avoiding contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.

Conclusion

Waterborne diseases are a huge problem in developing countries. Each year, millions of people die from waterborne illnesses. The good news is that there are ways to prevent these diseases. By investing in clean water and sanitation facilities, we can significantly reduce the number of waterborne diseases. In addition, education is critical in preventing these diseases. By teaching people about hygiene and proper sanitation practices, we can help to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.