Greta Jimenez
Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by microscopic organisms like viruses and bacteria found in contaminated water. These diseases afflict millions of people, particularly those without safe, accessible water in developing countries. The latest research shows that diarrhea is the central symptom of the seven most common waterborne diseases and is the second leading cause of death for children under five. Contaminated water can carry diseases such as typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and salmonella, which can have serious symptoms and health consequences. Poor water quality is linked to 80% of diseases and 50% of child deaths worldwide, underscoring the critical need for safe sanitation, hygiene, and access to clean water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diseases | Diarrhea, Poliomyelitis, Typhoid Fever, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, Campylobacteriosis, Legionella, Encephalitis, Gastroenteritis, Cancer |
| Symptoms | Fever, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, Rash, Muscle Weakness, Disorientation, Tremors, Convulsions, Coma, Paralysis |
| Causes | Sewage, Industrialization, Agricultural Production, Poor Sanitation, Contaminated Food, Inadequate Disinfection, No Filtration |
| Prevention | Chlorination, Safe Storage, Treated and Clean Water, Vaccination, Safe Sanitation and Hygiene, Improved Water Quality |
| Impact | Hundreds of Millions of People Affected, 50% of Child Deaths Worldwide Related to Poor Water Quality |
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What You'll Learn
Diarrhea
Viral gastroenteritis, also known as the "stomach flu," is another cause of diarrhea. It is caused by a variety of viruses, including rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, Norwalk virus, and Norwalk-like viruses. Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include watery diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms typically begin 1 to 2 days after infection and can last for 1 to 10 days, depending on the virus.
Giardiasis, caused by the parasite Giardia intestinalis (or Giardia lamblia), is one of the most common waterborne diseases in the United States and the world. Most people infected with Giardia experience diarrhea, loose or watery stools, stomach cramps, and an upset stomach.
Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is another disease that can be transmitted through contaminated water. While most exposed people exhibit no symptoms, some may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, and occasionally diarrhea. Less than 1% of those infected suffer paralysis, and any weakness or paralysis remaining 12 months after infection is usually permanent.
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Salmonella
The symptoms of Salmonella infection include stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, weakness, cough, stomach pains, headache, and loss of appetite. In some cases, a rash of flat, rose-colored spots may appear. Antibiotics are typically effective in treating Salmonella, but if left untreated, the fever can continue for weeks or months, and the infection can be life-threatening.
The presence of Salmonella in water, particularly irrigation water, has been a growing concern in recent years. The use of wastewater for agricultural irrigation in developing countries poses a serious threat to human health due to its pathogenic content. Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been proposed as a sustainable and cost-effective method to treat wastewater and remove pathogens, but more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness.
In summary, Salmonella is a serious health concern that can be transmitted through contaminated food and water sources. It is important to be vigilant about hygiene and food safety practices to reduce the risk of infection, especially when traveling to areas with limited access to clean water or where wastewater is used for irrigation.
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Typhoid fever
The symptoms of typhoid fever typically develop slowly, appearing 1-3 weeks after exposure. Initial symptoms include a slowly rising fever, weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, and stomach pains. As the disease progresses, patients may experience constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, sweating, and a swollen stomach. In some cases, typhoid fever can lead to intestinal problems, such as sepsis, and neurological symptoms like confusion and delirium.
The progression of untreated typhoid fever is classically described in three distinct stages, each lasting about a week. During the first week, in addition to the initial symptoms, patients may exhibit a bloody nose and abdominal pain. The second week is characterised by extreme fatigue, a high fever of around 40°C (104°F), and a slow heart rate. In the third week, complications may arise, including persistent high fever, dehydration, malnutrition, and delirium.
The diagnosis of typhoid fever is made through culturing and identifying Salmonella Typhi from patient samples or by detecting an immune response to the pathogen in blood samples. While vaccines are available and can provide some protection, they may not be accessible or affordable for everyone, especially in low-income regions. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for typhoid fever, and most people start feeling better within a week of starting treatment. However, without treatment, typhoid fever has a high mortality rate, with approximately 20% of untreated cases resulting in death.
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Hepatitis A
HAV is a common form of viral hepatitis, with six recognised genotypes, of which genotypes I, II, and III infect humans. The virus is usually transmitted by the ingestion of contaminated food and water. It is a concern for drinking water, especially in households with damaged pipelines or those located close to drain or sewerage systems. In low-income countries, inadequate access to safe water, poor sanitation, and poor hygiene contribute to high endemicity.
Groundwater can be a source of HAV transmission, as seen in a reported case in the Republic of Korea. In this instance, the virus was identified at a water dispensing outlet in a neighbourhood park, leading to a confirmed case of HAV infection. The groundwater facility was temporarily closed, and disinfection measures were implemented.
In the United States, drinking water-associated hepatitis A outbreaks have been linked primarily to untreated groundwater from private wells. Public health interventions, such as childhood vaccinations and drinking water regulations, have contributed to a decline in these outbreaks. However, unvaccinated individuals who rely on untreated private wells remain at risk. The CDC recommends annual well water quality evaluations and appropriate remediation and treatment if contamination is detected.
While the current nationwide outbreak of hepatitis A in the United States is not water-associated, groundwater contamination with HAV during community transmission can increase the risk for individuals using untreated water. Public health education about the risks associated with untreated groundwater and the importance of water testing, treatment, and vaccination is crucial to prevent future drinking water-associated hepatitis A outbreaks.
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Legionella
The Legionella bacterium thrives in water systems with temperatures between 20 and 50 degrees Celsius, with an optimal temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. It can survive and multiply in these environments, leading to potential exposure and infection. Inhalation of contaminated aerosols produced by water sprays, jets, or mists from contaminated water sources is the most common form of transmission.
Legionnaires' disease typically affects older adults, smokers, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The incubation period for the disease is usually 2 to 10 days, but it can be up to 16 days in some cases. While treatments exist, there is currently no vaccine available. The disease can be fatal, especially in immunocompromised patients, with a death rate of 5-10% and higher in untreated cases.
To prevent Legionella outbreaks, proper water management systems are crucial. This includes regularly monitoring and cleaning water systems, maintaining water temperatures, and ensuring the presence of disinfectant residuals. Implementing these measures can help reduce the risk of Legionella growth and transmission.
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Frequently asked questions
Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by microscopic organisms, like viruses and bacteria, that are ingested through contaminated water or by coming in contact with feces.
Some common waterborne diseases include typhoid fever, hepatitis A, salmonella, diarrhea, and cholera.
To avoid contracting waterborne diseases, it is important to only drink bottled and sealed water, avoid street food, and practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing.
Symptoms of waterborne diseases vary but often include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, waterborne diseases can lead to hospitalization and even death.
