Treating Waterborne Illness: Strategies For A Healthier Community

Water pollution is a pressing issue that affects the lives of millions worldwide, particularly those in developing countries. It is caused by a range of factors, including sewage, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, and plastic waste, which contaminate our water sources and lead to a host of diseases and health issues. These diseases can range from gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, to more severe infections like cholera and typhoid. The impact of water pollution on human health is significant, and it is essential to understand the risks and ways to prevent and treat waterborne illnesses, especially in vulnerable communities.

Characteristics and treatment of diseases caused by water pollution

Treat water to prevent cholera

Cholera is a disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, which is generally present in the faeces of an infected person. It is transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water. This contamination occurs in areas of poor sanitation and water treatment, such as in unsafe drinking water and inadequately treated sewage. This is why cholera is more prevalent in developing countries.

To treat water to prevent cholera, it is essential to strengthen surveillance, improve water quality, and implement hygiene practices. This includes timely reporting, data analysis, and interpretation of information from local to global levels. During cholera outbreaks, implementing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) activities can effectively reduce cholera transmission. These activities encompass improving WASH in healthcare facilities, conducting water quality monitoring, and distributing WASH kits to communities.

One method to ensure water safety is to use household water treatment (HWT) filters, which can significantly reduce cholera morbidity. HWT filters include simple screens, ceramic, sand, and hollow-fiber filters. For instance, a large study in Bangladesh found that cholera morbidity was reduced by approximately 40% in both the nylon and sari cloth filter groups. The sari cloth filter group was also more likely to continue using some method of water treatment after 5 years.

Another simple and effective method to treat water is through solar water disinfection (SODIS). This involves placing a clear container (e.g., a 1.5 L plastic bottle) in direct sunlight for 6-48 hours, depending on the intensity of sunlight. SODIS was found to reduce self-reported diarrhoea rates by 88% in children in Kenya.

Additionally, boiling water or treating it with chlorine or iodine can help prevent cholera. These methods ensure that water is safe to drink and reduce the risk of cholera transmission.

Prevent waterborne diseases like hepatitis

Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that are transmitted through contaminated water. These pathogens can enter the body through the ingestion of contaminated water, consumption of contaminated food washed in water, or through contact with contaminated water during activities like swimming or bathing.

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the ingestion of contaminated food and water or by coming into close contact with someone who has the infection. The disease usually goes away in a few weeks, but it can become severe and last several months. If you have contracted hepatitis A, it is recommended to rest, avoid drinking alcohol, and drink plenty of fluids.

• Vaccination: Vaccines can provide protection against certain waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A. Check with your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations before traveling to areas with known waterborne disease risks.
• Safe sanitation and hygiene practices: Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food. Use soap and clean, running water, and wash for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes, with unwashed hands. Practice safe hygiene when preparing food. Wash all fruits and vegetables before consuming them. Cook foods thoroughly, especially meat, and store or freeze them properly after cooking.
• Safe water practices: Use safe drinking water sources. Boil water for at least one minute, use water purification tablets, or filter water through a certified water filter if you are unsure about the water quality. Avoid drinking untreated water, especially when traveling or in areas with known water contamination issues.
• Community initiatives: Promote community sanitation initiatives and education about safe water practices and hygiene to reduce the incidence of waterborne illnesses. Support community efforts to improve access to safe drinking water and proper sewage disposal systems.
• Medical attention: Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect a waterborne illness or experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and aid recovery.

Avoid swimming in polluted water

Water pollution is a serious issue affecting our rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and seas, which are inundated with chemicals, waste, plastic, and other harmful substances. This, in turn, poses a significant threat to human health, causing various diseases and infections.

One of the most effective ways to prevent waterborne illnesses is to avoid swimming in polluted water. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:

• Stay informed and vigilant: Keep yourself updated on water quality reports and advisories. Regularly check for any notices or warnings regarding water pollution or contamination in your area. Be cautious of swimming in natural bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers, especially after heavy rainfall, as stormwater runoff can carry pollutants and pathogens into these waterways.
• Follow guidelines and closures: Obey all advisory notices, warnings, and closures. If a beach or swimming area has been closed due to pollution, stay out of the water. The authorities have likely detected unsafe levels of contamination, and swimming in such conditions can be hazardous to your health.
• Practice good hygiene: Maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial. Shower with soap before and after swimming, and ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing diapers. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria and reduces the risk of water contamination.
• Avoid swallowing water: Whether you're swimming in a pool, lake, or the ocean, avoid swallowing any water. Contaminated water can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses and other infections.
• Protect your ears: Waterborne pathogens can cause "swimmer's ear," an infection that results in a red, itchy, and inflamed ear. To prevent this, dry your ears thoroughly after swimming, and consider using alcohol-based ear drops to remove excess water.

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant about water quality, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting waterborne illnesses and infections.

Prevent diarrhoeal diseases with treated water

Diarrhoeal diseases are a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity worldwide, with children under 3 years old in low-income countries experiencing an average of three episodes of diarrhoea per year. Each episode deprives the child of the nutrition necessary for growth. Diarrhoeal diseases are caused by contaminated food and water, with unsafe domestic water storage and handling being a significant risk factor. Fish and seafood from polluted water may also contribute to the disease.

To prevent diarrhoeal diseases, it is essential to ensure access to safe drinking water. This can be achieved through various interventions to improve water quality, such as the WHO's International Scheme to Evaluate Household Water Treatment Technologies, which tests household water treatment products against health-based performance criteria. Additionally, simple interventions like covering water storage containers can reduce vector breeding and faecal contamination of water at the household level.

Improved sanitation is another critical factor in preventing diarrhoeal diseases. This includes proper waste disposal, such as sewage treatment systems, and practising good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing with soap.

To treat diarrhoeal diseases, rehydration is crucial. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are recommended, which are a mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar. These solutions replace the water and electrolytes lost during the illness. Additionally, zinc supplements can reduce the duration of diarrhoea episodes and improve outcomes.

It is important to note that swimming in polluted water can also lead to diarrhoeal diseases. To prevent swimming-related illnesses, it is advised to avoid swimming in areas without lifeguards or when a beach is under an advisory or closure. Other preventative measures include not swallowing pool water, showering before swimming, and practising good hygiene, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers. Chlorine and pH levels in pools and hot tubs should be maintained to prevent the spread of infections.

Prevent diseases by improving water supply

Water-related diseases are a significant global health concern, with approximately 505,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year attributed to microbiologically contaminated drinking water. This figure includes an estimated 395,000 children under the age of five who die from diarrhoea due to unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hand hygiene. Diarrhoea is preventable, and these deaths could be avoided by improving water supply and sanitation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in preventing water-related diseases by leading global efforts and advising governments on developing health-based targets and regulations. The WHO's water quality guidelines focus on managing risks and promoting safe drinking water. They recommend establishing health-based targets and developing and implementing water safety plans to identify and manage risks effectively.

To prevent water-related diseases, it is essential to improve water supply systems and sanitation infrastructure. This includes ensuring safe drinking water that is free from contamination and accessible when needed. Additionally, proper wastewater management is crucial, as untreated wastewater is a significant source of pollution, with over 80% flowing back into the environment untreated, according to the United Nations.

Interventions to prevent water-borne diseases can be categorised into personal, household, and community practices. Personal protective practices include regular handwashing and taking prophylactic supplements. Household practices involve water treatment, water storage, maintaining cleanliness, and proper waste management. Community practices include building infrastructure and conducting educational campaigns to raise awareness about the links between contaminated water, poor hygiene, and water-borne diseases.

Educational campaigns, such as WASH campaigns, have proven successful in changing behaviours and improving hygiene practices. Addressing misconceptions and providing accurate information about the importance of safe water access and hygiene in preventing diseases are crucial components of such campaigns. Additionally, safe and sufficient water availability facilitates better hygiene practices, which can help prevent not only diarrhoeal diseases but also acute respiratory infections and neglected tropical diseases.

Frequently asked questions