Greta Jimenez
Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by microscopic organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, that are ingested through contaminated water or by coming into contact with faeces. Inadequate or poorly managed water and sanitation services expose individuals to preventable health risks. Waterborne diseases afflict millions of people, primarily those living without safe, accessible water in developing countries. Contaminated drinking water can transmit diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, polio, and diarrhoea, which claims the lives of over 500,000 people each year. Other diseases caused by polluted water include hepatitis A, encephalitis, and salmonellosis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people affected | Waterborne diseases affect over 7 million people in the US and hundreds of millions worldwide every year. |
| Common diseases | Cholera, typhoid, giardia, dysentery, hepatitis A, polio, schistosomiasis, dengue fever, and diarrhoea. |
| Symptoms | Diarrhoea, severe dehydration, intestinal problems, blood or mucus in the stool, respiratory illnesses, neurological illnesses, skin problems, gastrointestinal illnesses, and bloodstream infections. |
| Causes | Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, spread through contaminated water, contaminated food, poor sanitation, and unsafe water. |
| Prevention | Safe sanitation and hygiene practices, access to clean water, vaccination, handwashing, avoiding contaminated food and water, and improved water treatment and management. |
| Impact | Waterborne diseases result in hospitalizations, deaths, and significant costs to healthcare systems. |
What You'll Learn
Diarrhoea
There are many pathogens that can cause diarrhoea, and looking for specific pathogens in water is costly, time-intensive, and inefficient. Instead, scientists rely on surrogate indicators that are commonly present in faeces. However, there is a poor correlation between these indicators and the pathogens, and they are not specific to humans. Despite these limitations, increasing sample sizes and employing innovative study designs can help improve the specificity of exposure and outcome measurements.
To prevent diarrhoea, it is important to practice good hygiene and sanitation, including handwashing and safe food preparation. Safe and readily available water is also crucial, and improved water supply and sanitation can boost countries' economic growth and contribute to poverty reduction.
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Cholera
The primary symptoms of cholera include profuse diarrhoea and vomiting of clear fluid, which usually start suddenly, between half a day to five days after ingesting the bacteria. In severe cases, patients may experience life-threatening dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and shock. Fever is rare but can indicate a secondary infection. Other signs of cholera include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry mouth, cold clammy skin, and wrinkled hands and feet.
Most people with cholera have mild or moderate symptoms and can be treated with oral rehydration solutions (ORS). However, severe cases may require intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics. Quick access to treatment is crucial to prevent fatal outcomes. The oral cholera vaccine (OCV) can provide protection, and basic sanitation and hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap and safe water, are essential for preventing the spread of cholera.
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Hepatitis A
Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by microscopic organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, that are ingested through contaminated water or by coming into contact with faeces. Inadequate management of urban, industrial, and agricultural wastewater means that the drinking water of millions of people is dangerously contaminated or chemically polluted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 7,134 deaths worldwide caused by Hepatitis A in 2016, accounting for 0.5% of the mortality due to viral hepatitis. According to another source, approximately 1.5 million people are infected with the disease each year. However, this figure is likely an underestimate, and the actual infection rate is probably much higher, making Hepatitis A a global public health concern.
The overall prevalence of HAV in water matrices (untreated and treated wastewater, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, etc.) was 16.7%. The prevalence differed significantly between countries, with higher rates in Kenya (52%), Tunisia (39.1%), and Uganda (36.8%).
To prevent Hepatitis A infection, it is important to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap, and to only consume sealed bottled water when travelling in areas with higher risks of water contamination. Vaccines are also recommended for individuals travelling to regions with unsafe water and poor sanitation.
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Typhoid
The risk of typhoid is generally low in areas with good sanitation and hygiene practices, but travelers to endemic areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water are still at potential risk. Vaccines are recommended for those traveling to such regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the typhoid conjugate vaccine for children from 6 months of age and adults up to 45 or 65 years, depending on the specific vaccine.
To prevent the spread of typhoid, it is crucial to ensure access to safe drinking water and improve sanitation and hygiene practices. This includes proper waste disposal, as contaminated water can serve as a breeding ground for insects that transmit diseases, such as dengue fever. Additionally, it is essential to practice good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap, especially after contact with animals or using the toilet, and before preparing or serving food.
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Encephalitis
Viral encephalitis is the most common form of the disease and can develop after certain infectious diseases or viruses. Arbovirus encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks, while bacterial or fungal encephalitis is the least common type. Autoimmune encephalitis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, causing inflammation that affects brain function. Symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis develop more slowly and can include memory issues, noticeable personality changes, speech issues, and weakness or loss of movement in some body parts. Infective encephalitis, on the other hand, has early warning signs that develop more quickly, such as drowsiness, high fever, loss of consciousness, nausea, and vomiting.
The risk of contracting encephalitis can be reduced by keeping vaccinations up to date and protecting oneself from mosquito bites. Protective clothing, insect repellents, drying out standing water, and using screens and fans to keep mosquitoes out are all effective measures. Encephalitis symptoms can last from a few days to two or three months, and most people with the disease require hospitalization and intensive treatment, including life support.
In addition to encephalitis, polluted water is associated with various other diseases. Diarrhea is the most widely known disease linked to contaminated water, and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites in unsafe food and water. Cholera is another waterborne disease transmitted through contaminated water sources, and it can also be found in ponds, streams, swimming pools, and town water supplies. Typhoid fever, caused by contaminated food, unsafe water, and poor sanitation, affects up to 20 million people worldwide each year. Schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic worms in water, is yet another disease associated with polluted water, requiring over 251.4 million people to seek preventative treatment in 2021.
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Frequently asked questions
Many diseases are caused by polluted water, including cholera, dysentery, typhoid, polio, and diarrhoea. In addition, contaminated water provides the perfect breeding ground for viruses to develop and multiply.
The symptoms of diseases caused by polluted water vary depending on the disease. However, some common symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
There are several ways to avoid getting sick from polluted water. It is important to know where your drinking water comes from and how it has been treated. If you are concerned about your tap water, you can contact your local water utility or health department. You should also practise good hygiene and sanitation, including frequent handwashing with soap.
