Water is essential for life, but contaminated water can carry harmful microorganisms that cause infections. Poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and improper storage increase the risk of water-borne diseases.
Common infections caused by contaminated water are:
- Cholera – It is caused by Vibrio cholerae, leading to severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
- Typhoid fever – It is caused by Salmonella typhi, resulting in high fever, weakness, and abdominal pain.
- Hepatitis A & E – Viral infections affects the liver, spread through contaminated water or food.
- Dysentery – It is caused by Shigella or Entamoeba histolytica, leading to bloody diarrhoea.
- Giardiasis – The causative agent is Giardia lamblia, resulting in diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach cramps.
Prevention:
- Always drink clean, boiled, or filtered water, also Chlorinate drinking.
- Maintenance of proper hand hygiene.
- Maintain sanitation of water sources.
- It is always recommended to prevent the consumption of food and water from unsafe sources.
- Keep water sources away from sewage and waste.
- It is really important to dispose the garbage properly. It helps to prevent infections.
- Start ORS immediately to prevent dehydration.
- Educate about safe water practices and early symptoms of water-borne diseases.
Safe water, good hygiene, and early treatment can prevent most water-borne infections.
MBH/PS