Waterborne diseases

Waterborne diseases are illnesses that are caused by drinking or coming into contact with
contaminated water. WHO and UNICEF estimates that there are about 80% of an illness and a
third of all deaths in developing nations by diseases caused by contaminated water.
Here are some examples of waterborne diseases:
1. Dysentery
2. Typhoid
3. Cholera
4. Hepatitis A
5. Meningitis
6. Polio
7. Giardiasis
8. Gastroenteritis

Dysentery:
Dysentery is a symptom of an infection caused by a host of bacterial, viral, and parasitic
organisms, most of which are spread by faeces - contaminated water. It is caused by the
organism of Rotavirus and Escherichia coli are the two most common etiological agents of
moderate to severe diarrhoea in low-income countries. The incubation period is a few hours to 5
days after exposure of bacterial diarrhoea, and 1 to 3 days for viral diarrhoea. It produces Loose
watery stools, Abdominal cramps, Abdominal pain, Fever & Blood in the stool, mucous in the
stool, bloating and nausea.
Typhoid:
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid is
primarily spread through the consumption of food or water contaminated with faecal matter
containing the bacterium. It can also be spread through direct contact with an infected person's
feces or urine. The incubation period of typhoid is typically 6-30 days, with an average of 8-14
days. The clinical features of typhoid can vary, but typically include a sustained fever (often
increasing in intensity over several days), abdominal pain, headache, and a loss of appetite. Other
symptoms may include constipation or diarrhea, a dry cough, and a skin rash. In severe cases,
complications such as intestinal bleeding or perforation, sepsis, or neurological symptoms can
occur. Typhoid is a serious illness that requires prompt medical treatment.
Cholera:
cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera. Cholera is
primarily spread through the consumption of contaminated food or water. It can also be spread
through direct contact with faecal matter containing the bacterium. The incubation period of
cholera can range from a few hours to five days, with an average of two to three days. The
clinical features of cholera include sudden onset of watery diarrhea (often described as "rice
water" stools), vomiting, and muscle cramps. In severe cases, dehydration can occur rapidly,
leading to a decrease in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, dry mucous membranes, and lethargy. If
left untreated, cholera can be fatal within hours. Cholera is a serious illness that requires prompt
medical treatment, including fluid replacement therapy and antibiotics.
Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A
virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is primarily spread through ingestion of faecal matter containing the
virus, typically through contaminated food or water. It can also be spread through close personal
contact with an infected person. The incubation period of Hepatitis A is typically 15-50 days,
with an average of 28 days. The clinical features of Hepatitis A can vary, but typically include
fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the
skin and eyes). Some people may not develop symptoms, particularly young children. In most
cases, the illness resolves on its own without long-term consequences. Hepatitis A can be
prevented through vaccination and practising good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly
and avoiding the consumption of contaminated food and water.
Meningitis:
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, which are the protective membranes that surround the
brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria,
viruses, fungi, and parasites. The most common causes of bacterial meningitis are Streptococcus
pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Meningitis is typically spread
through respiratory or throat secretions, such as through coughing, sneezing, or close personal
contact with an infected person. Some forms of meningitis, such as fungal or parasitic
meningitis, may be acquired through exposure to contaminated soil or water. The incubation
period of meningitis can vary depending on the causative organism but is typically 2-10 days.
The clinical features of meningitis can include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light,
nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures. In severe cases, neurological symptoms such as coma
or paralysis may occur. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt
diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics. Meningitis can be prevented through vaccination,
particularly for the most common causes of bacterial meningitis.
Polio:
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a viral infection that can lead to paralysis. Polio is caused
by the poliovirus, which is a type of enterovirus. Polio is primarily spread through fecal-oral
transmission, typically through ingestion of water or food contaminated with the virus. It can
also be spread through close personal contact with an infected person. The incubation period of
polio is typically 7-14 days, but can range from 3-35 days. Most people who are infected with
polio do not develop symptoms. However, in some cases, the virus can cause mild symptoms
such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain. In rare cases, polio can lead to
paralysis, particularly of the legs, and can be fatal. The risk of paralysis is highest in young
children and people with weakened immune systems. It can be prevented through vaccination,
which is recommended for all children. There is no specific treatment for polio, and management
of symptoms is typically supportive.

Giardiasis:
Giardiasis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by a specific parasitic infection Giardia
intestinalis. Giardiasis is caused by the parasite Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia
lamblia). Giardiasis is typically spread through ingestion of water or food contaminated with the
parasite. It can also be spread through close personal contact with an infected person. The
incubation period of giardiasis is typically 1-2 weeks, but can range from a few days to several
weeks. The clinical features of giardiasis can include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas,
and nausea. Some people may also experience fatigue, weight loss, and dehydration. Symptoms
can last for several weeks or months, particularly if left untreated. It can be treated with
antimicrobial medications, and prevention involves practicing good hygiene and avoiding
consumption of contaminated food and water.
Gastroenteritis:
Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a general term used to describe inflammation of
the gastrointestinal tract, typically caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. It is caused
by Rotavirus and bacteria like Salmonella, E.coli and campylobacter species are the primary
causes of gastroenteritis. It is spread by vomit or faeces of an infected person, from person to
person (shaking hands). t affects people of all ages but is particularly common in young children.
The incubation period is on period for Rotavirus is 12 to 48 hours. It produces Nausea, acute-
onset vomiting and watery, non-bloody. diarrhoea with abdominal cramps.