7 Most Common Water-related Diseases and their Symptoms

Water-related diseases are among the leading causes of global fatalities annually. Children are especially vulnerable to illnesses caused by organisms thriving in contaminated water sources.

Climate change, driven by unregulated industrial practices and inadequate waste management, severely impacts our water sources. With the human body comprising 70% water, drinking clean water is crucial for maintaining health. Let's understand water-related diseases!

What are water-related diseases?

Water based diseases are caused by drinking polluted or dirty water, which can lead to a number of ailments.

Here are some water borne disease names:

Even more serious conditions like Guinea worm disease.

Most Common water-related diseases Symptoms

The following is a types of water-borne diseases, along with its indications and symptoms:

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella bacteria, transmitted through contaminated water or food. It spreads via sewage-contaminated food, drink, or direct contact. Typhoid patients excrete Salmonella typhi bacteria in feces and sometimes urine.

Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial disease usually transmitted by polluted water. Cholera causes dehydration and severe diarrhea. Even in individuals with good immunity, cholera can be fatal within hours if not treated.

Giardia:

This waterborne disease is transmitted through contaminated water, often in ponds, streams, and sometimes in municipal water supplies, swimming pools, and other locations. Typically caused by a parasite, the infection generally resolves within a few weeks. However, those exposed may experience long-term intestinal issues.

Dysentery:

Dysentery is a waterborne infection characterized by severe diarrhea, along with mucus or blood in the stool. It is caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites found in contaminated food, water, or from contact with feces. If fluids are not replenished promptly, dysentery can be life-threatening

Escherichia Coli (E. coli):

This disease is a newly recognized cause of foodborne and waterborne illness, caused by a strain that produces a potent toxin leading to severe illness.

While most infections are linked to undercooked ground beef, outbreaks have also been linked to contaminated water consumption.

Symptoms of severe E. coli strains resemble those of dysentery and other waterborne diseases.

Most E. coli infections resolve within a week, but older adults and young children are at higher risk of developing life-threatening symptoms. Consult a doctor if diarrhea includes blood after exposure to contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water or by being in close proximity to an infected person.

The disease is most commonly contracted by people who frequently travel to underdeveloped nations or work in rural areas with poor sanitation and unhygienic practices.

Although the infection usually resolves in a few weeks, it can worsen and last for several months.

Salmonella:

Salmonella is usually contracted by consuming contaminated food or drink. Unwashed fruits, vegetables, and undercooked meat can all carry the disease.

Most people do not experience difficulties, but those most susceptible are children, pregnant women, older individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.

How to avoid water-related diseases?

Water-related diseases are entirely avoidable and highly preventable if the right care is taken. The following advice will help you avoid getting sick from water-related diseases:

Water-related diseases are easily avoidable. However, if you experience the symptoms, you may need to seek medical attention immediately to get it diagnosed so that a quick course of therapy can be recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions