10 Diseases Caused by Water Pollution

Diseases caused by Water Pollution

Some of the most common diseases caused by water pollution include:

1. Cholera

Caused by a bacterium, this disease affects the digestive system which leads to severe dehydration, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea. If not checked in time, it can be fatal.

2. Diarrhoea

This is one of the most common diseases caused due to contaminated water. Apart from water-borne virus, it is also caused by water contaminated with bacteria and parasites. It is characterised by frequent passage of loose, water stools that can cause dehydration and death to young children and infants.

3. Dysentery

This is caused by bacteria entering the mouth through contaminated water or food and poor hygiene. It causes fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and severe diarrhea with blood and mucus.

4. Amoebiasis

Also known as Traveller’s Diarrhoea, it is one of the most common diseases caused by water pollution. Symptoms can range from mild to severe diarrhoea with blood and mucus, and it can also cause infection to large intestine and liver.

5. Typhoid fever

This is a common bacterial infection caused by the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, and headache.

6. Hepatitis A

This is an infectious disease which affects the liver and is caused by hepatitis A virus. It spreads either by the fecal-oral route, by ingestion of contaminated water or food, or by direct contact with an infected person. Symptoms experienced include fever, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, jaundice, weight loss, and depression.

7. Fluorosis

This is a condition that is caused by high levels of fluoride, found naturally in groundwater which leads to serious bone disease.

8. Polio

Polio is a waterborne acute viral infection caused by polio virus, which passes through water from the feces of an infected individual. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and seizures, followed by paralysis.

9. Trachoma (Eye Infection)

This spreads through poor hygiene and sanitation caused due to lack of adequate safe water supply. It is more likely to affect women and children and can also result in developing blindness.

10. Schistosomiasis

This is caused by worms that spread by freshwater snails living in contaminated water. They penetrate your skin while swimming, bathing or washing clothes in contaminated water and can cause infection and damage your internal organs.

Ways to prevent Water Pollution

• Abstain from flushing contaminated liquids, pills, drugs, or medications down the drain

• Proper sewage treatment and management

• Dispose trash properly

• Avoid direct dumping into water systems

• Conserve water

• Use environmentally safe products

Conclusion

Various simple and implementable ways can be used to limit the pollution of our water sources, and protect us from the diseases caused by water pollution.

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Source: NewHealthAdvisor, EnviroTechOnline, EnvironmentGo

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on March 21, 2023