How to Prevent Water-Borne Diseases

Water, which can give and take life, is dangerous. Unclean and poor-quality water is to blame for about 3.1% of deaths worldwide. In addition, 80 percent of diseases are thought to be waterborne globally, according to the World Health Organization. Alarmingly, one-third of India’s 600 districts are considered unsafe for drinking because their groundwater contains harmful amounts of fluoride, iron, salt, and arsenic. Fluorosis, a debilitating disease brought on by too much fluoride and a frequent ailment in northern India’s Rajasthan state, affects about 65 million people worldwide.

The United Nations assessed India’s water quality at an appalling 120th place out of 122 countries for the quality of water that is fit for human consumption, with 122nd place being the worst. Water pollution from industrial waste, human waste, animal waste, garbage, untreated sewage, chemical effluents, etc., makes poor water quality unavoidable. Waterborne illnesses and infections can be contracted by drinking or cooking with contaminated water, including amoebiasis, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis.

Contaminated water may contain pathogens, including Hepatitis A and E viruses and E. coli bacteria, which can be spread from person to person by eating street food or touching food touched by someone with the virus. It might result in food poisoning. Dangerous illnesses include cholera and typhoid fever. Meningitis, polio, dysentery, and diarrhea are other watery illnesses.

Washing your face with dirty water can result in skin and eye infections like trachoma. Blindness or vision impairment can result from trachoma.

Although everyone is at risk from contaminated or polluted water, rural communities are susceptible to waterborne ailments. Anyone, anywhere, can get a waterborne sickness. Infants, young children, the elderly, and people with diabetes, chronic heart disease, kidney disease, etc., are at higher risk.

Some of the Common Water-Borne Diseases

Typhoid Fever – Salmonella Typhi bacteria are the source of typhoid fever, which can harm numerous organs. If the appropriate care is not received, it may result in several complications and even death. Don’t ignore typhoid fever symptoms like:

• General body pain
• Sweating
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Constipation

Acute Gastroenteritis – Another bacterial infection is Acute Gastroenteritis. This may cause watery diarrhea, which can cause dehydration. It can be fatal if you disregard it. Below are some of its symptoms:

• Watery diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Low BP
• Sunken eyes

Giardiasis – A parasite called Giardia lamblia is the source of the watery disease giardiasis. It affects the small intestine, and its symptoms are listed below:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Appetite loss

Dysentery – Dysentery, which can be brought on by bacteria or parasites, is an inflammation of the gut, particularly the colon. It is a result of symptoms like:

• Mucus in feces
• Incomplete evacuation
• Fatigue

Food Poisoning – E. coli is a harmless bacterium that often dwells in your intestines. But if you consume contaminated food or drink, some strains can make you sick. The following are some signs of an E. coli infection or Food poisoning:

• Stomach cramps
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Low-grade fever

Hepatitis A & E – The Hepatitis A virus causes hepatitis A, a liver ailment. If you contract the hepatitis A virus, you may not immediately experience symptoms. But if you do get symptoms, they typically appear after 3–4 weeks:

• Itching
• Dark urine
• Light coloured stools
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice
• Sudden nausea

Polio – The majority of polio victims exhibit no symptoms. However, only a small percentage of those infected display flu-like symptoms, such as

• Fever
• Back pain
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Neck pain

Cholera – Vibrio cholera is the germ that causes cholera, a different bacterial infection. It might be fatal if you disregard it. The signs are identical to acute gastroenteritis.

Causes

Waterborne diseases occur when water becomes contaminated with harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or toxins. The primary causes include:

1. Pathogenic Contamination – Bacteria, viruses, and parasites infiltrate water sources through human and animal waste, leading to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and giardiasis.
2. Poor Sanitation and Hygiene – Improper disposal of sewage and inadequate handwashing facilities contribute to the spread of pathogens, especially in densely populated areas.
3. Contaminated Drinking Water – Water that is not properly filtered or treated can harbor dangerous microorganisms, increasing the risk of infection.
4. Agricultural and Industrial Runoff – Fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial chemicals can seep into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, introducing toxic substances that may cause long-term health complications.
5. Natural Disasters and Infrastructure Failures – Floods and hurricanes can introduce pollutants into clean water supplies, while aging pipelines and improper water storage can also lead to contamination.

Symptoms

The symptoms of waterborne diseases vary depending on the type of infection, but often include:

• Diarrhea – A common symptom that can lead to severe dehydration if untreated.
• Nausea and Vomiting – Indications of gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria or parasites.
• Abdominal Pain and Cramps – Often associated with infections affecting the digestive tract.
• Fever and Chills – A sign of bacterial or viral infections, such as typhoid fever and hepatitis A.
• Fatigue and Weakness – Prolonged illness can result in extreme tiredness and body weakness.
• Jaundice – A yellowing of the skin and eyes, particularly common in hepatitis A infections.
• Skin Rashes – Some waterborne infections can lead to dermatological symptoms.
• Respiratory Issues – Contaminated water may cause coughing, sore throat, or difficulty breathing in certain cases.

If any of these symptoms occur after consuming or coming into contact with contaminated water, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Risk Factors

• Lack of clean drinking water
• Poor sanitation
• Lack of personal and hand hygiene
• Lack of awareness
• Overcrowded living conditions

Prevention

Drinking clean and purified water

• Don’t ingest water while swimming.
• Avoid drinking water straight from ponds, lakes, or rivers.
• Never consume tap water.
• To purify the water for consumption, use filters or RO.
• Water must be heated before consumption.

Maintaining personal hygiene

• Clean your hands for 30 seconds every time.
• After using the restroom and changing your child’s diaper.
• After coming in contact with animals and cleaning up their waste.
• Prior to eating and cooking food
• Regularly trim your nails
• Encourage judicious towel usage

Environmental Management

• Flushing correctly.
• Use hot water and a chlorine-based detergent to clean the toilet.
• Discourage urinating outside.

Vaccinating

• Get immunized against infections, including typhoid and hepatitis A.

Food Safety

• Before consuming, wash all the fruits and vegetables.
• Consume only pasteurized milk and milk products.
• 71 degrees Celsius is the ideal temperature for successfully cooking all types of meat.
• Foods should be kept raw and cooked separately.
• Properly clean the serving pieces.
• If you have signs of waterborne disease, avoid cooking.

Treatment

Treatment for waterborne diseases depends on the type and severity of the infection. The following measures are commonly recommended:

1. Hydration Therapy – Replenishing lost fluids through oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or intravenous fluids helps combat dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting.
2. Antibiotic Treatment – Bacterial infections like typhoid and cholera are often treated with antibiotics to eliminate the pathogen and reduce symptoms.
3. Antiparasitic Medications – Infections caused by parasites, such as giardiasis, may require specific antiparasitic drugs.
4. Supportive Care – Adequate rest, a balanced diet, and proper medical supervision are essential for a full recovery.
5. Hospitalization – In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for continuous monitoring and intensive treatment.

Early detection and prompt medical intervention are crucial to managing waterborne diseases effectively. Preventive measures such as drinking safe water, maintaining good hygiene, and improving sanitation can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Conclusion

Waterborne diseases pose a serious health risk but can be prevented with clean water, good hygiene, and proper sanitation. Simple measures like boiling or filtering water, washing hands, and safe food practices help reduce infections. Timely treatment and medical care are crucial for recovery. Prioritizing water safety ensures a healthier future for all.