Key Insights on Waterborne Diseases – Causes, Types, Symptoms and Prevention

Water is one of the most essential factors in nurturing and healing life. That is why water hygiene is an extreme concern for everyone. Water is valuable for life and using contaminated water can cause as well as spread water-borne infections. The majority of these infections mainly affect kids due to immunity and poor hygiene.

Over the past few years, the acquaintance of various water-borne diseases got the spotlight with the beginning of globalization. Less developed countries are at greater risk of waterborne disease outbreaks. Hygienic water is vital for preventing many infections as it allows appropriate sanitation practices that remarkably reduce the transmission of diseases including cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. Clean water is the chief factor in sustaining complete health and preventing the spread of many waterborne diseases.

Waterborne Diseases Meaning & Definition

Water-borne diseases occur due to the direct consumption of unhygienic water or indirectly through food. These infections spread through polluted water when people come in contact with or consume water that contains harmful microorganisms (viruses or bacteria). When these organisms get inside the body, particularly through impure water, they cause illness.

Waterborne disease most commonly occurs when you consume contaminated water used for your routine activities or cooking food. You can also acquire these infections while bathing, swimming, or splashing. Water may get polluted due to various factors including improper sewage disposal, animal waste, agricultural runoff, flooding, etc.

What are Waterborne Diseases and How Do These Spread?

Waterborne diseases spread through exposure to unhygienic water or by eating contaminated food. Waterborne infections are caused by pathogens including viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by direct contact with contaminated water sources of feces and not following appropriate hygiene measures. The patients may experience various symptoms however the most commonly reported symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, ear or eye infections, and respiratory issues. These can also be transmitted by touching infected areas and coming in intimate contact with the infected people.

Common pathogens that are responsible for causing waterborne disease include viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

• Bacteria (E. Coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Cholera, Enterobacter, Campylobacter)

• Viruses (Norovirus, Rotavirus, JC Virus, BK Virus)

• Parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Naegleria flowleri, Entamoeba histolytica)

Water gets filthy with the discarding of human waste, animal waste, industrial waste unprocessed sewage, etc. Consuming water from any such source without proper treatment can cause various infections. Such water sources may contain pathogens including Hepatitis A and E. Coli that can cause food poisoning and other fatal diseases. Using polluted water for daily activities such as washing purposes can cause skin irritation and eyes and skin infections.

Common Waterborne Diseases That Spread Through Contaminated Water and Contaminated Food

Many types of waterborne diseases differ depending on the pathogens that cause the disease. Being aware of these diseases and infections can help you to prevent their occurrence.

The list of common waterborne infections is as mentioned:

• Typhoid

• E. Coli

• Hepatitis A

• Giardiasis

• Cholera

• Shigella

• Poliomyelitis

• Norovirus infection

• Vibriosis

• Legionellosis

• Cyclosporiasis

• Cryptosporidiosis

Is Typhoid a Waterborne Disease?

Typhoid is a waterborne disease caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi. It transmits through polluted food and water. People living in unhygienic locations are more prone to typhoid fever. The typical symptoms of typhoid include fever, headache, nausea, loss of body weight, constipation, and loss of appetite. Quick attention is necessary to treat typhoid and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

You can prevent the spread of infection with proper sanitation, vaccinations, and by following preventive measures. The typical typhoid treatment involves antibiotics and fluids as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Avoid using tap water in areas with unhygienic drinking water and poor sanitation.

Is Diarrhea a Waterborne Disease?

Yes, diarrhea can be a result of waterborne disease. It can be due to exposure to pathogen-containing water. The common causes of diarrhea are poor hygiene, lack of clean water, and bacterial, parasitic, and viral organisms. The infection can be spread through swimming or fishing in contaminated water, consuming polluted seafood, contact with a contaminated surface or object, or exposure to vomit or feces from an infected person.

This disease mainly affects kids below 5 years of age. Symptoms include dehydration, dizziness, pale skin, and loss of consciousness. Usually, the illness lasts for a few weeks and can become fatal if untreated.

Difference Between Waterborne Diseases and Other Water-Related Diseases

Water-related disease is a comprehensive term that includes waterborne diseases, water-based diseases, and water-washed diseases. Water-related diseases are cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, dysentery, and hepatitis A. These can be transmitted through impure water and poor hygiene. On the other hand, waterborne diseases come under the category of water-related diseases that are caused by pathogens in polluted water.

Talking about the difference, waterborne diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, and protozoa present in water and transmitted by consuming contaminated food and water. For example, typhoid and cholera are water-borne diseases. Water-related diseases are caused by insects that depend on the water for their spread. For example, malaria, onchocerciasis, and lymphatic filariasis are water-related diseases.

Contaminated Water Diseases

Polluted water can cause various diseases such as typhoid, cholera, severe diarrhoea, and hepatitis A. These illnesses are caused by pathogens including parasites, viruses, and bacteria. Contaminated water can transmit diseases by consuming contaminated food or beverages, through exposure to contaminated animals or surroundings, by inhaling aerosolized droplets of polluted water, and through swimming pools or fishing in unhygienic water sources.

Waterborne Viral Diseases

Waterborne viral infections are caused by viruses that are transmitted through contaminated water. Common waterborne viral diseases include hepatitis A and E and other viruses associated with gastroenteritis.

• Hepatitis A and E : These viruses transfer from one person to another through polluted water and food.

• Norovirus: Norovirus is a prominent cause of viral foodborne outbreaks and gastroenteritis across the world.

• Enteroviruses: Enteroviruses include polioviruses and coxsackieviruses. These viruses can cause myocarditis, meningitis, encephalitis, gastroenteritis, and cancer.

• Polyomaviruses: Polyomaviruses are eliminated through urine and can spread through water.

Dirty Water Diseases- Impact on Health

Dirty water can cause a range of health issues including typhoid fever, cholera, diarrhea, hepatitis A, giardiasis, dysentery, and some other types of intestinal infections. These infections may lead to severe dehydration, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever. Clean water access and proper hygiene are vital to prevent such infections. Children and elderly people are more vulnerable to acquiring dirty water diseases and further complications such as impaired immune function and malnutrition due to chronic contaminated water infections.

Health Impacts:

• Dehydration

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Fever

• Liver damage

Treatment of Waterborne Disease

The primary treatment involves maintaining adequate hydration to compensate for the fluid loss caused by diarrhea. Your healthcare professional may prescribe some antibiotic medications for infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. If the infection is caused by parasites including giardia, your doctor may prescribe anti parasite medications. You should take proper rest, maintain good hygiene, avoid exhaustion, and drink plenty of water to ensure fast and complete recovery.

Prevention of Waterborne Diseases

As the famous quote says, prevention is always better than cure. This saying is better suited for water-borne infections. While treatment can help treat symptoms and avoid fatalities, it is better to prevent these diseases.

Some common measures to prevent the occurrence and transmission of waterborne diseases:

Safe drinking water practices

Make sure you are using clean water for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth, bathing, and other everyday purposes. If you are not sure that the water source is clean your not you may prefer using boiled water for drinking and cooking etc. Moreover, you can use filtration and chlorination methods.

Maintaining personal hygiene and proper sanitization

The simplest way to avoid exposure to water-related diseases is good personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with clean water and handwash. Use a good sanitizer before eating if you have no access to clean water. Stay clean and wear clean washed clothes.

Kitchen hygiene

Following good hygiene practices in your kitchen is most important because you become what you eat. Wash the fruits and vegetables before eating and cooking them. Wash your hands before preparing and serving the food.

Vaccination programs

Vaccination is a vital measure to prevent water-associated illnesses such as typhoid and hepatitis. Get the essential vaccination timely to prevent the occurrence of these diseases.

Conclusion

Waterborne diseases are a common concern in the regions with a lack of access to clean water and proper hygiene. These illnesses occur because of contaminated water and food. Many waterborne pathogens are attained by consuming polluted water and food items, exposure to animals or their surroundings, or via personal transmission.

Certain waterborne infections may have long-lasting harmful effects and can be fatal. Water-related illnesses can negatively influence your immunity and intestines making you unable to sustain a normal function. It is extremely essential to get the necessary vaccines, maintain good hygiene practices, and follow your doctor’s advice to live a healthy life.

Some waterborne illnesses could be fatal if not treated so make sure you seek advice and treatment from an experienced healthcare professional and follow their instructions carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common waterborne diseases?

The most common waterborne diseases are cholera, shigella, typhoid, poliomyelitis, and hepatitis A and E.

Can you avoid water-borne illnesses?

Yes, you can take preventive measures to avoid these diseases. You can prevent water borne diseases ensuring access to clean and safe water, treating water sources, proper sanitation, maintaining hygiene, and following public health measures to cut down contamination risks.

What is the treatment for waterborne infections?

Generally, antibiotic medications are prescribed for infections caused by bacteria and other pathogens. For the treatment of diseases that are likely to be caused by parasites, anti-parasitic medicines may be prescribed.

How to diagnose water-borne diseases?

Viral tests are performed to diagnose viral waterborne infections such as Hepatitis A. PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction can be performed to recognize the genetic materials of pathogens offering rapid and precise detection.

What are the most common symptoms of the waterborne disease?

The most common symptoms of waterborne illnesses are vomiting and diarrhea.