Water Borne Diseases

Waterborne diseases are caused by contaminated water that contains pathogenic microorganisms. Among the many types of microorganisms that may cause waterborne diseases are

• Protozoa
• Bacteria
• Intestinal parasites
• Viruses

When the contaminated water is consumed, the microorganisms are passed onto the individual drinking the water.

Some of the most common water contamination diseases are listed below

1.Cholera : Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated.

2.Diarrhea : Diarrhea is a physiological condition of having at least three loose bowel movements each day. Since fluids are lost from the body it can result in dehydration.

3.Typhoid fever : Typhoid fever is an acute illness associated with fever caused by the Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi bacteria.

4.Filariasis : Dysentery is severe diarrhea, with blood and mucus in the stool.

5.Viral Gastroenteritis : Stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis is caused by varied viruses that result in vomiting and diarrhea.

6.Amebiasis :  Amebiasis is a parasitic infection of the intestines caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica, or E. histolytica. The symptoms of amebiasis include loose stool, abdominal cramping, and stomach pain.

7.Giardiasis : Giardiasis is caused by Giardialamblia parasites that damage the small intestine. Symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, loose watery stool, bloating and sulfurous burping.