Water-borne Diseases

Water-borne Diseases

• Caused by ingestion of water contaminated by human or animal excrement, containing pathogenic microorganisms
• Include cholera, typhoid, amoebic and bacillary dysentery, and other diarrheal diseases
• Examples of diarrheal diseases: Giardiasis (Protozoan), Cryptosporidiosis (Bacteria), Campylobacteriosis (Bacteria), Shigellosis (Bacteria), Viral Gastroenteritis (Virus), Cyclosporiasis (Parasite)

Water-borne Diseases Caused by Chemical Pollution

• Caused by the pollution of water with chemicals that have an adverse effect on health
• Examples of chemical pollutants: Arsenic, Flouride, Nitrates from fertilizers, Carcinogenic pesticides (DDT), Lead (from pipes), Heavy Metals

Water-washed Diseases

• Caused by poor personal hygiene and skin and eye contact with contaminated water
• Include scabies, trachoma, typhus, and other flea, lice, and tick-borne diseases

Water-based Diseases

• Caused by parasites found in intermediate organisms living in contaminated water
• Examples: Schistosomiasis and Dracunculiasis

Water-related Diseases

• Caused by insect vectors, especially mosquitoes, that breed or feed near contaminated water
• Typically associated with lack of access to clean drinking water or sanitation services
• Examples: dengue, filariasis, malaria, trypanosomiasis, and yellow fever

The Problem of Water-borne Diseases

• ~80% of infectious diseases are caused by water-borne diseases
• > 5 million people die each year due to water-borne diseases
• > 2 million die from water-related diarrhea alone
• Most of those dying are small children

Consequences of Water-borne Diseases

• Lost work days
• Missed educational opportunities
• Official and unofficial healthcare costs
• Draining of family resources

Control and Prevention of Water-borne Diseases

• Global governments, communities, and individuals need to work together to prevent water-borne diseases
• Education is key: hygiene education, good nutrition, and improvements in habitation and general sanitation
• Higher education training in water-related issues
• Global surveillance and public health infrastructure are essential

General Guidelines for Prevention

• Avoid contacting soil that may be contaminated with human feces
• Do not defecate outdoors
• Dispose of diapers properly
• Wash hands with soap and water before handling food
• Take precautions when traveling to countries where sanitation and hygiene are poor