Water is an essential component of human life. We use it for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and many other purposes. However, water can also be a source of various diseases. In this blog, we will discuss 10 diseases caused by water and how to prevent them.
1. Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial disease that spreads through contaminated water and food. The symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Cholera can be fatal if left untreated. The disease is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Prevention: Boil water before drinking, avoid consuming uncooked food and unpeeled fruits, maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices.
2. Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated food and water. The symptoms include high fever, headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Typhoid fever can be fatal if left untreated. The disease is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Prevention: Boil water before drinking, avoid consuming uncooked food and unpeeled fruits, maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices.
3. Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that spreads through contaminated water and food. The symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and jaundice. Hepatitis A can be fatal in rare cases. The disease is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Prevention: Boil water before drinking, avoid consuming uncooked food and unpeeled fruits, maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices, get vaccinated.
4. Legionnaires' disease
Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial infection that spreads through water droplets in the air, such as those produced by air conditioning systems, hot tubs, and showers. The symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle aches. Legionnaires' disease can be fatal if left untreated.
Prevention: Maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices, ensure proper maintenance of water systems and air conditioning systems, and disinfect hot tubs and showers regularly.
5. Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a parasitic infection that spreads through contaminated water and food. The symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. Giardiasis can be chronic and last for several weeks or months. The disease is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Prevention: Boil water before drinking, avoid consuming uncooked food and unpeeled fruits, maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices.
6. Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection that spreads through contaminated water and food. The symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Cryptosporidiosis can be chronic and last for several weeks or months. The disease is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Prevention: Boil water before drinking, avoid consuming uncooked food and unpeeled fruits, maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices.
7. Dysentery
Dysentery is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water and food. The symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Dysentery can be fatal in rare cases. The disease is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Prevention: Boil water before drinking, avoid consuming uncooked food and unpeeled fruits, maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices.
8. Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic infection caused by the Schistosoma parasite. The disease spreads through contaminated water, usually in freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, and dams, where the parasite's larvae live. The larvae penetrate the skin during water activities such as swimming and bathing, and once inside the body, they mature and lay eggs. The symptoms of schistosomiasis include itchy skin, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the urine. If left untreated, schistosomiasis can lead to chronic health problems such as liver damage, kidney failure, and bladder cancer.
Prevention: Boil water before drinking, avoid consuming uncooked food and unpeeled fruits, maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices.
9. E. coli infection
E. coli infection is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water and food. The symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. In severe cases, E. coli infection can cause kidney failure and be fatal. The disease is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Prevention: Boil water before drinking, avoid consuming uncooked or undercooked meat, practice good hand hygiene, and avoid swallowing water when swimming in contaminated water.
10. Malaria
Malaria is a parasitic infection that spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices are more prone to malaria outbreaks. The symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Malaria can be fatal if left untreated.
Prevention: Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, use bed nets, and avoid stagnant water. In areas with high malaria prevalence, preventive medication may be necessary.
Outro: Water is essential for our survival, but it can also be a source of various diseases. By practicing good hygiene and sanitation practices and being mindful of the water and food we consume, we can prevent many waterborne illnesses. Boiling water, avoiding uncooked food and unpeeled fruits, and maintaining clean water and air conditioning systems are all effective ways to prevent waterborne diseases. It is crucial to educate ourselves and our communities about the risks of contaminated water and how to prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses. By taking these simple precautions, we can ensure that we stay healthy and safe while enjoying the benefits of this precious resource.
