Water Borne Diseases

WATER BORNE DISEASES

The disease that can be spread through contaminated water is called water borne diseases, it can be involve bacterial, viral or protozoan organisms.

Some example

There are some most dangerous water born disease in India are Cholera, Typhoid, Diarrhoea, Hepatitis A.

1. Cholera

Definition

Cholera is a most common disease caused due to consumption of contaminated water, which leads to the intestine infection results in extreme loss of body fluids. This disease is caused by the bacterium vibrio cholera.

Causative organism

vibrio cholera

Incubation period: 

Few hours to 3 days 

Symptoms of cholera

·            Rice water stools

·            Nausea

·            Diarrhoea

·            Low blood pressure

·            Muscle cramp

·            Dry skin

·            Sunken eyes

·            Dehydration

Management of cholera

·            Replacing fluids that are lost from body through diarrhoea.

·            Oral rehydration solution 

·            Replacement of fluids through intravenously

·            Antibiotics[tetracycline,ciprofloxin]     and zinc supplements are important to treating the cholera.      

Preventive measures of cholera

·            Always drink pure and safe water

·            Wash hand before preparing food

·            Wash hand with soap and water

·            Avoid raw and undercooked food intake

·            Always prefer boiled filtered water.

2. Diarrhoea:

Diarrhoea is passing of watery stools that happens more often than expected,resulting in poor absorption of water, nutritive elements. It usually occurs by consuming contaminated water and food. Diarrhoea last for more than 3-4 weeks its known as chronic diarrhoea.

Causative organism

·             Rotavirus

·             Norovirus

Incubation period

·             Few hours

Common cause

Symptoms

Management

·            Acute diarrhoea can be treated with home remedies

·            Dairy products to be avoided for a week

·            Children rehydrate their body by taking ORS

·            In severe diarrhoea Antibiotics [Cefixime, ceftriaxone, and cefotaxime] resolve the symptoms of diarrhoea

Preventive measures

3. Typhoid

It is an acute illness, associated with constant high fever, which is caused by bacteria Salmonella typhi. This is transmitted through water and food and found in the feces of the infected person. Other name of typhoid fever is entric fever .

Causative organism

·            Salmonella typhi

Incubation period

·            8 to 14 days

Symptoms of Typhoid

·            Loss of appetite

·            Weakness

·            Abdominal pain

·            Vomiting

·            Diarrhoea or constipation

·            High fever

·            Head ache

Management

Antibiotics [Trimethoprim-sulfamethox-azole, Ampicillin and Ciprofloxacin]. are the most important to treat the infection, for the complete removal of the bacteria.

Typhoid vaccines are recommended for where there is a risk of typhoid is very high.

Preventive Measures

·            Drink pure and safe water

·            Avoid raw fruits and vegetables

·            Street food to be avoided

·            Wash hand before and after using toilets.

4. Hepatitis A

It’s the most highly contagious liver infection, which is caused by hepatitis A virus. This virus cause inflammation of liver and affects the ability of liver function.

Causative organism

·            Hepatitis A virus[HAV]

·            Hepatovirus

Incubation period

·            14 to 28 days

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

·            Fatigue

·            Nausea and vomiting

·             Abdominal pain

·             Clay – Coloured bowel movement

·             Loss of appetite

·             Joint pain

·             Yellow skin

·             Intense itching

Management

·             Replacement of nutrition and fluids

·             Pain relievers

·             Complete rest

·             Avoid alcohol

·             Complete 3 month medical attention is needed.

Preventive measures

·             Hepatitis A vaccine is must to prevent

·             Two doses are needed

·            Protect yourself in working and in travelling places.