The global burden of people with zero access to WASH (safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene) services and consequently falling prey to waterborne diseases stands in the millions. WHO says 1.4 million deaths could have been prevented if waterborne causes of infection and contaminants were avoided. Needless to say, summers and monsoons see a surge in waterborne diseases that need our attention.

India also faces a significant challenge with high incidences of diarrhoea and other diseases transmitted through water caused by unsafe drinking water, insufficient sanitation, and inadequate hygiene habits among its population. Moreover, 37.7 million people in India have been estimated to suffer from diseases transmitted through water every year.

What are waterborne diseases?

Waterborne diseases are infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants found in drinking water and other water sources used for daily use. An effective strategy to avoid and eliminate these diseases is to have access to clean and safe water.

A study discusses the correlation between seasonal shifts and waterborne diseases. We are aware of the sudden spikes in waterborne diseases in the summers and monsoons. The question is, why do waterborne diseases occur during summer? The same study highlighted that both warm and wet weather boost pathogen concentrations in water bodies, introduce new pathogens, or modify toxic traits of the existing pathogens. To be specific:

Warmer, shallower waters are ideal for pathogen growth.

• Heavy rainfall following storms, as well as extended heat and drought, can introduce more human pathogenic viruses into bodies of water.
• Rising temperatures can pose a concern for human health due to a rise in infectious diseases. 

Common waterborne diseases and how to avoid them

There are several types of waterborne diseases. Let’s discuss a few of these common waterborne illnesses and their causes:

1) Typhoid

Caused by Salmonella typhi, typhoid fever spreads mostly through contaminated water and food.  You will typically notice high fever (gradually increases to as high as 104°F), persistent and severe headaches, discomfort or cramps, particularly in the stomach and abdominal area, and loss of appetite. Small, rose-coloured spots, often on the abdomen and chest may appear along with severe fatigue and body ache.

Hygiene and sanitisation are the keys to staying away from typhoid. Choose homemade beverages and shakes over roadside ‘ice-golas’ and lemonades. Wash your hands thoroughly, clip your nails, and use sanitisers (in case you can’t wash your hands) before eating anything. Try not to touch your lips, tongue, and teeth with your hands mindlessly. 

2) Acute gastroenteritis

It is the sudden inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by infectious agents. 

It typically shows up as diarrhoea—frequent, loose, or watery faeces, with nausea and vomiting. Patients also report abdominal pain and cramps. They experience a high fever, indicating infection and dehydration, less urination, and dizziness. Furthermore, one feels fatigue and weakness, which contribute to overall health.

Drinking clean water, eating hygienic food, washing hands before and after eating,  cooking food at the appropriate temperature, limiting cross-contamination between raw and cooked meals, and storing food at safe temperatures are the best ways to prevent waterborne diseases.

3) Dysentery

Dysentery is an infection of the intestines. The main causes of dysentery are contaminated water or food; to be specific, faecal-contaminated consumables. 

Characterised by severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, painful, foamy, and bloody stools, dehydration, fatigue, and dizziness, dysentery is common among kids and adults. 

Like acute gastroenteritis, dysentery can be prevented through hygiene measures and sanitised food supplies. Moreover, when visiting countries or moving to places where dysentery is common, opt for bottled water.

4) Cholera

Cholera is a severe bacterial waterborne disease. Caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, cholera spreads through the consumption of contaminated water or food.

Symptoms include severe, persistent diarrhoea (with bloody stools), vomiting (with bloody discharge), and severe dehydration. 

Cholera demands immediate medical attention and rehydration therapy to prevent severe complications. As mentioned before, personal hygiene, hand washing, and using only clean and safe water for drinking, cooking, and bathing are a must. 

5) Giardiasis

Giardiasis, unlike the above conditions, is not a bacterial infection; rather, it is an illness caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, which is common in places with poor water treatment. 

Weight loss, bloating, cramping in the stomach, and diarrhoea are among the symptoms of giardiasis. To avoid giardiasis, adopt proper hygiene practices and boil or filter your water before drinking.

6) Hepatitis A

Hepatitis type A is waterborne in nature. As opposed to the above, this is a viral infection that affects the liver and spreads through contaminated water and food. 

Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, jaundice, and abdominal pain. It also affects the liver and gallbladder, leading to inflammation. 

Prophylactic vaccination for hepatitis type A, proper sanitation, and personal hygiene can all be instrumental in preventing hepatitis A. 

As clear as water

Whether it's summer or monsoons, using clean water is key to staying safe. You’ve got to understand the causes of waterborne diseases, their initial symptoms, and the tricks to prevent them. Some of the other preventive measures could be personal hygiene, cleaning water containers, sanitising overhead water tanks regularly, and checking your plumbing systems periodically for any leaks or contamination. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How do waterborne diseases spread?

Waterborne diseases spread through contaminated/infected water used for drinking, cooking, washing, cleaning, bathing, and more. 

2) What are the most common waterborne diseases?

The most common waterborne diseases include dysentery, acute gastroenteritis, typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera.

3) How can waterborne diseases be diagnosed?

Waterborne diseases can be diagnosed from stool samples (for bacterial and parasite infections) and water-sample testing. For viral infections, blood tests come in handy in detecting the viral load. 

4) What should I do if I suspect I have a waterborne disease?

If you suspect waterborne disease, remember to keep yourself hydrated first. Drink clean filtered water and ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) and report to the emergency department immediately before dehydration worsens. 

5) How can I ensure my drinking water is safe?

The best ways to ensure the safety of your drinking water are regular tank sanitisation, plumbing checks, and water filter servicing.