What are the Common Water Borne Diseases?
July 8, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by the consumption of contaminated water or by coming into contact with water that contains pathogenic microorganisms. Here are some common waterborne diseases:
- Cholera: Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration, and it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Typhoid fever: Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It causes high fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to complications and become life-threatening.
- Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is primarily transmitted through contaminated water or food. It causes symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, and jaundice.
- Giardiasis: Giardiasis is caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia. It leads to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.
- Cryptosporidiosis: Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium. It causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fever. It can be particularly severe in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Amoebiasis: Amoebiasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It causes dysentery (bloody diarrhea) and can lead to severe complications such as liver abscesses.
- Campylobacteriosis: Campylobacteriosis is caused by the bacterium Campylobacter. It leads to diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes vomiting.
- Norovirus infection: Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea.
- Shigellosis: Shigellosis is caused by the bacterium Shigella. It causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes bloody stools.
Preventing waterborne diseases involves ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water sources, practicing proper sanitation and hygiene, and treating water using filtration, disinfection, or boiling methods when necessary. It is also essential to maintain good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing with soap and water, to prevent the spread of these diseases.