Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens in contaminated water. These diseases are a major public health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. Waterborne disease outbreaks occur when contaminated water is used for drinking, cooking, or bathing.
In this article, we are going to share some of the most common waterborne disease lists and how to prevent water-borne diseases.
Water-Borne Diseases List
There are many different types of waterborne diseases, and each one can be caused by different types of bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some common waterborne diseases include:
1. Cholera
Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera and is transmitted through contaminated water or food.
Symptoms:
- The primary symptom is severe diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and death if left untreated.
- Other symptoms may include vomiting, muscle cramps, and rapid heart rate.
2. Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi and is transmitted through contaminated food or water. Contaminated food can become infected with the bacterium if it is handled by a person who is infected with the bacterium and has not washed their hands properly after using the bathroom. Contaminated water can also be a source of infection if it is used for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.
Symptoms:
Symptoms may include fever, headache, weakness, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. A rash of flat, rose-colored spots may also develop.
3. Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is transmitted through contaminated food or water, and can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact.
- Contaminated food or water can become infected with the hepatitis A virus if it is handled by a person who is infected with the virus and has not washed their hands properly after using the bathroom.
- Person-to-person transmission of hepatitis A can occur through close personal contact, such as sexual contact or sharing needles with an infected person.
Symptoms:
Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
4. Shigellosis
Shigellosis is caused by the bacterium Shigella and is transmitted through contaminated food or water.
Symptoms:
Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. In severe cases, it can also cause dehydration, sepsis, and death.
5. Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila and is transmitted through inhaling small droplets of contaminated water.
Symptoms:
Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and fatigue. It can lead to severe respiratory illness and death in some cases.
6. Cryptosporidiosis
A parasitic infection that causes diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
7. Guinea Worm Disease
Guinea worm disease is caused by the parasitic worm Dracunculus medinensis and is transmitted through contaminated water. The worm emerges from a blister on the skin and can cause severe pain and disability.
8. Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fatigue.
9. Amoebiasis
Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. In severe cases, it can lead to liver abscesses and death.
10. Melioidosis
Melioidosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is transmitted through contaminated water.
Symptoms:
Symptoms include fever, cough, skin abscesses, and sepsis. It can be life-threatening if left untreated.
It is important to use safe water sources, practice good hygiene, and properly treat and disinfect water to prevent the transmission of waterborne diseases.
Water-Borne Diseases Causes
The cause of waterborne diseases is as follows:
- Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other microorganisms) that are transmitted through contaminated water.
- These pathogens can enter the water supply through sewage, agricultural runoff, and other sources of contamination.
- Contaminated water can be a source of infection if it is used for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.
- Waterborne diseases can also be transmitted through contact with water, such as when swimming in contaminated water or when water comes into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes.
It is important to use safe water sources and to properly treat and disinfect water to prevent the transmission of waterborne diseases. In addition, it is important to practice good hygiene, including washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
Water-Borne Diseases Cause by Bacteria
There are many types of bacteria that can cause waterborne diseases, including:
- Waterborne diseases are caused by, usually bacteria, viruses, or parasites—that enter the body through contaminated water.
- But not all germs that can contaminate water can make people sick.
- The types of illness and the severity of symptoms depend on many factors, including the specific pathogen, how much water is ingested, and a person’s age and health.
- Waterborne illnesses can range from mild to life-threatening.
- They include infections of the stomach and intestines, skin, ear, and respiratory tract.
- Some common waterborne diseases caused by bacteria are Cholera (caused by Vibrio cholera), Typhoid fever (caused by Salmonella Typhi), Shigellosis (caused by Shigella), Legionnaires’ disease (caused by Legionella pneumophila), Melioidosis (caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei), Gastroenteritis (caused by Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and other bacteria).
Check out this related article on the effects of water pollution on human health & on the environment.
Water-Borne Diseases Cause By Floods
Floods can increase the risk of waterborne diseases by contaminating the water supply with pathogens. Floods can wash sewage and other sources of contamination into the water supply, making it unsafe to drink or use for cooking or cleaning.
Floods can also create breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes. Waterborne diseases that can be transmitted through contaminated water during a flood include:
- Cholera
- Typhoid fever
- Hepatitis A
- Shigellosis
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Legionnaires’ disease
- Cyclosporiasis
- Amoebiasis
- Melioidosis
Deadliest Waterborne Diseases
It is difficult to determine the deadliest waterborne disease as it can depend on various factors such as the availability of treatment and the overall health of the affected population. However, some waterborne diseases can be particularly severe and can lead to death in some cases.
There are many waterborne diseases that can be deadly if left untreated. Some of the most common and deadly include cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A.
How to Prevent Water-Borne Diseases?
There are several steps you can take to prevent waterborne diseases:
- Use safe water sources: Only use water that has been treated and disinfected for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Avoid using water from sources that may be contaminated, such as rivers, lakes, or streams.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the bathroom and before preparing food. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with your hands.
- Properly treat and disinfect water: If you are using water from a source that may be contaminated, such as a well or a river, you can use a water filter or purification tablets to kill pathogens. Boiling water for at least one minute is also an effective way to kill most waterborne pathogens.
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked shellfish: Shellfish can be contaminated with bacteria or viruses if they are harvested from contaminated water. Cook shellfish thoroughly to kill any potential pathogens.
- Protect yourself from insect bites: Insects like mosquitoes can transmit waterborne diseases. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from insect bites.
- Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms: If you develop symptoms of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, fever, or abdominal pain, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of death.
Video: Waterborne Diseases List
Conclusion
Waterborne diseases are illnesses that are transmitted through contaminated water. These diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are found in water that has been contaminated with sewage or other waste.
Waterborne diseases are a major public health concern, as they can cause serious illness and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.
There are many different types of waterborne diseases, and the symptoms and severity of these diseases can vary widely. Some common waterborne diseases include:
- Cholera.
- Typhoid fever.
- Hepatitis A.
- Shigellosis.
- Giardiasis.
Preventing waterborne diseases is essential in order to protect public health. This can be achieved through the treatment of drinking water, the proper disposal of sewage and waste, and the use of personal hygiene measures such as washing hands with clean water and soap. By taking these steps, we can reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and protect ourselves and our communities from these serious illnesses.
FAQs
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What is an example of waterborne?
An example of a waterborne disease is cholera.
I. Cholera is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through contaminated water or food. It is characterized by severe diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Cholera can be life-threatening if left untreated, and it is a major public health concern in parts of the world where access to clean water is limited.
II. Other examples of waterborne diseases include typhoid fever, hepatitis A, shigellosis, and giardiasis.
These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are found in contaminated water, and they can have serious consequences for public health. -
There are four main types of water-related diseases:
1. Waterborne diseases: These are diseases that are transmitted through contaminated water or food.
Examples include cholera, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A.
2. Water-based diseases: These are diseases that are transmitted through contact with contaminated water.
Examples include schistosomiasis and leptospirosis.
3. Water-washed diseases: These are diseases transmitted through poor hygiene practices, often associated with the lack of clean water.
Examples include diarrhea and skin infections.
4. Water-related vector-borne diseases: These are diseases that are transmitted through vectors, such as mosquitoes, that breed in contaminated water.
Examples include malaria and dengue fever.Water-related diseases can have serious consequences for public health, particularly in areas where access to clean water is limited.
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Is malaria a waterborne disease?
Malaria is not considered a waterborne disease. While water can play a role in the transmission of malaria, it is not transmitted directly through contaminated water or food. Instead, malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
These mosquitoes breed in standing water, and the disease is more common in areas where there is a high incidence of standing water, such as swamps or rice paddies.Malaria is classified as a water-related vector-borne disease, meaning that it is transmitted through a vector (in this case, mosquitoes) that breeds in contaminated water.
Other examples of water-related vector-borne diseases include dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika virus.
Dev is a senior editor on this blog. He has a BSC degree in Hydrology and is currently pursuing his second major in Water Engineering. He’s passionate about writing about water and things related to it.