Waterborne Diseases

Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused due to consumption of contaminated water, either directly or through food made with it. Water contamination can happen when food or water for consumption is contaminated by an infected person or through surface contamination, which results in infection. Such infection can be caused by harmful pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. Coming in contact with such contaminated sources can cause and spread various waterborne diseases.

There are different types of waterborne diseases, which vary depending on the pathogen likely to cause the disease. Knowing and having a better understanding of the waterborne diseases list can help be aware of these diseases and take precautions to avoid them.

1. Naegleria: Naegleria is a free-living ameba (a single-celled living organism). It is so small that it can only be seen with a microscope. It is commonly found in warm fresh water (such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs) and soil. Only one species of Naegleria infects people: Naegleria fowleri.
2. Typhoid: Typhoid or typhoid fever is one of the most common waterborne illnesses spread through contaminated food and water. People living in places without access to clean and hygienic water are more prone to typhoid fever. Typhoid is extremely contagious and spreads widely by coming in contact with water contaminated by an infected person. However, it can be prevented by taking proper hygiene measures and taking necessary vaccines.
3. Cholera: Cholera is a waterborne disease commonly occurring in rural communities where people do not always get access to proper sanitation. Cholera is a harmful disease which can be lethal if left untreated. Cholera is spread by polluted water, which causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration, particularly in areas with bad sanitation and using water from open water sources (such as ponds), which are used for a variety of reasons such as washing, bathing, cleaning, etc. Cholera, being highly contagious, can cause an outbreak quite easily and be lethal within days or even hours of infection.
4. Dysentery: Dysentery is another waterborne disease which can be caused by the shigella bacteria or by an amoeba. It also spreads through contaminated food and drinks, particularly in places where good hygiene is not maintained. Dysentery infection can cause intestinal inflammation and diarrhoea mixed with blood, leading to severe dehydration. Dysentery-causing pathogens can be spread by food and water contaminated with bacteria or parasites or by coming in direct contact with human faeces.
5. Hepatitis A: Hepatitis is a liver disease which has different variations depending on its underlying cause. Hepatitis, specifically Hepatitis A water borne disease, is caused and spread by consuming contaminated food and drinks or by being in close proximity to an infected person. This disease is mostly prevalent in places with improper sanitation and hygiene. Hepatitis A infection may get better in a few weeks, but it is possible that the condition persists for longer or worsens with time.
6. Giardia: Giardia is a lesser-known water borne disease which spreads through contaminated food and water and also human contact. Also known as beaver fever, giardia is a digestive ailment caused by the giardia parasite. Although the infection may go away on its own in a few weeks, the harmful effects on the intestines can persist for much longer, sometimes even for years. Much like cholera, this water borne disease can also spread through polluted open water sources, such as ponds and streams, but it can also be present in a town's water supply system or in public-use water bodies such as swimming pools.

Apart from these, there are other waterborne diseases spread by other parasites and pathogens. Amoebic dysentery, amoebiasis, and shigellosis are other such names of water-borne diseases.

Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which are spread due to direct contact with polluted water sources or faeces and not adhering to proper sanitation measures afterwards while handling food and drinks. These can also spread by touching infected surfaces and being in close contact or proximity to infected persons. Lack of adherence to proper hygiene and sanitation is the main reason for the spread of water borne diseases.

Different waterborne diseases may have different symptoms based on the various causes of waterborne diseases, but they have some symptoms in common. Here are some of the common waterborne diseases symptoms.

Naegleria

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Altered mental state
• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Loss of balance
• Severe and sudden headache
• Stiff neck
• Photophobia- sensitivity to light
• Hallucinations

Typhoid

• Fever with muscle pain and weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constant fatigue

Cholera

• Diarrhoea leading to dehydration
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe muscle cramps

Dysentery

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea with blood discharge through stool
• Severe dehydration
• Abdominal muscle cramps and pain

Hepatitis A

• Jaundice
• Sudden high fever
• Irregular bowel movements
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite leading to weight loss

Giardia

• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Constant abdominal cramps and pain
• Weight loss

Common treatment of waterborne diseases involves ensuring proper hydration to make up for the lost fluids due to diarrhoea. Antibiotic medications may be recommended for diseases likely to be caused by bacteria and other pathogens. Anti-parasite medications may be recommended for diseases caused by parasites, such as giardia. It is also important to take ample rest and avoid exhaustion to ensure proper recovery.

Prevention is better than cure, and this adage is better suited for conditions caused by water-borne pathogens. While treatment options can help prevent fatalities and arrest the outbreak of a water-borne disease by ensuring timely treatment, it is better to prevent water-borne diseases.

Here are some of the common ways to prevent the occurrence and spread of waterborne diseases.

1. Maintaining personal hygiene: The best way to ensure that exposure to water borne diseases can be restricted is by washing hands with soap and clean water every time before eating. Maintaining personal hygiene by staying clean and wearing clean clothes.
2. Washing vegetables: It is best to wash fruits and vegetables before cooking them to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms. Washing fruits and vegetables with clean water, hot water if possible, can prevent contracting such diseases.
3. Vaccine: Vaccination is important to prevent diseases such as hepatitis and typhoid. Taking vaccination measures at appropriate times can help to prevent getting diseases.
4. Avoiding tap water: If possible, avoiding drinking water directly from taps can help to prevent coming in direct contact with disease-causing pathogens. Instead, drinking bottled water or drinks can help prevent such water borne diseases.
5. Avoiding undercooked or raw food: It is important to not consume undercooked or raw foods such as runny eggs or raw/rare meat, as these may contain various harmful pathogens and parasites. Eat fruits that can be peeled on your own. If possible, eat hot foods rather than eating food that has been sitting outside for a long time.
6. Avoiding swimming during warm season: Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers during very hot seasons. Holding your nose when diving into fresh and warm lakes. Additionally, avoid nasal cleaning using contaminated tap water and fresh water swimming.

Water eventually gets polluted with dumping of human waste, industrial waste, animal waste, untreated sewage, etc. Using water from such sources without treating it properly leads to various water borne diseases and infections. Such contaminated water can contain pathogens such as Hepatitis A and bacteria such as E. Coli, which can lead to food poisoning and fatal diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. Using polluted water for washing purposes can also cause irritation and infections of the eyes and skin.

Rural areas and poverty-stricken populations are more prone to water borne diseases due to a lack of proper hygiene and sanitation. The risk is far higher for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. While access to clean water may not always be ensured or even possible, it is important to take proper precautions and vaccinate in time.

Some of the waterborne diseases may get cured on their own within a few weeks, but diseases such as cholera can become fatal if left untreated. However, even if symptoms of these diseases go away on their own, there can be long-lasting effects of water borne diseases. Moreover, these diseases may weaken the immune system. To avoid getting infected by such waterborne diseases, it is important to take proper precautions.