Contaminated water can lead to a variety of water-related illnesses and diseases. In some cases, health problems occur when contaminated water is consumed. In others, the problem can result from swimming in contaminated water, such as lakes or rivers.
It’s true that water is essential to health and wellness, but contamination caused by pathogens can lead to a range of serious health effects. Understanding how water contamination occurs and how to avoid it is key to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.
Many diseases fall into the category of water-borne illness, including:
Symptoms of water-borne illness vary according to the type of pathogen involved. In general, a person will experience significant stomach upset after exposure. This often leads to vomiting, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal effects. However, some symptoms can affect other areas of the body, such as the skin and respiratory system.
Without proper treatment, the gastrointestinal effects of water-borne diseases can lead to dehydration. This highlights the need for immediate medical treatment when exposure and illness occur, as doctors can help manage symptoms and stop them from getting worse.
Water-related illnesses can result from numerous pathogens, including:
Contamination can be caused by water run-off from nearby farms or industrial plants. In some instances, warm, humid weather can cause bacteria and other pathogens to thrive.
Most people recover from water-related diseases on their own with the right medical care, such as bed rest and fluids. Diseases caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics when the effects are severe. There are also antiviral and antiparasitic medications that can be used.
As for prevention, good hygiene is the best defence against water-borne illness. Regular handwashing can help you avoid contact with germs, and hands should be washed before eating, after using the restroom, and after handling any livestock or animals. When it comes to food, fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly before eating. Meat must be cooked to the proper temperature to ensure its safety. As for water, it must be properly treated to remove potential contaminants, so consumption of lake, river, or pond water should be avoided.