Classification of Water and Related Diseases

Classification of Water and Related Diseases

• Diseases related to water can be classified based on their transmission method, such as waterborne, water-washed, and vector-borne.
• Waterborne Diseases include those like Cholera, Infectious Hepatitis, Paratyphoid, Typhoid, Amoebic Dysentery, Bacillary Dysentery, and Gastroenteritis. These diseases are transmitted through contaminated water.
• Water-washed Diseases arise from poor hygiene and sanitation, leading to diseases such as Conjunctivitis, Amoebic Dysentery, and others that require water for proper sanitation practices.
• Water-related Insect Vector Diseases encompass conditions transmitted by insects that depend on water bodies for their lifecycle, such as Malaria, Yellow Fever, and Sleeping Sickness.
• Notable parasites include Guinea worm and Schistosoma (Bilharzia), which are significantly impacted by water quality and sanitation.
• Diarrheal Diseases, including various forms of gastroenteritis, are prevalent in areas with unsafe drinking water and inadequate sanitation.

Overview of Specific Diseases

• Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, primarily spread through contaminated water.
• Malaria, caused by Plasmodium species, is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water.
• Leprosy and Scabies are not strictly water-related but can become prevalent in areas with inadequate sanitation and hygiene.
• Diseases like Amoebic Dysentery and Bacillary Dysentery are directly linked to poor water and sanitation practices, leading to significant health challenges.