Many areas of the world do not have clean water or good sanitation. Clean water and good sanitation are important for public health and disease prevention. Clean water is treated water and sanitation covers capturing, transporting, storing, treating and disposing of human waste and wastewater, and collection and safe disposal of trash.
Millions die each year from infections spread through contaminated water and bad sanitation. Disease prevention is key because of the cost to the community in terms of quality of life, work and school days lost because of illness and death that can result from illness. Below are five diseases that are easily prevented by good water and sanitation.
Cholera
Cholera is caused by vibrio cholera bacteria which infects the intestines. Cholera is spread by drinking water or eating food infected by the cholera bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and rapid dehydration. Doctors use stool tests to diagnose cholera. Treatment includes rehydration and antibiotics. Safe drinking water, proper disposal of human waste, good hygiene and vaccinations can prevent Cholera. Cholera can cause death if not treated right away.
Dysentery
Dysentery is caused by shigella bacteria or entamoeba histolytica parasites. Amoebic dysentery found in tropical regions that do not have good drinking water and proper sanitation. It is spread by drinking or swimming in contaminated water and eating contaminated food. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloody stool and fever. Doctors use stool tests to diagnose dysentery. Treatment includes rehydration, intravenous fluids and medication to kill the parasites. Dysentery can be prevented by avoiding contaminated water and food, proper hygiene such as hand washing before preparing food, and after using the toilet. Severe infection can cause dehydration and death.
Guinea Worm Disease
Guinea worm is a parasite that infects people when they drink water contaminated with fleas carrying the larvae of guinea worms. The infected person can be symptom free about a year. A painful blister will form on the person's legs and when it bursts, the worm will come out of the open wound gradually over a few weeks. While the worm is coming out the blister, the person may become dizzy, may vomit and have difficulty walking. Treatment includes removing the worm and tending to the wound. Guinea worm infections can be prevented by drinking safe water.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis Type A and Type E can be transmitted through water and food contaminated with human feces. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, nausea and jaundice. Doctors use blood tests to diagnose Hepatitis A. Safe drinking water, proper sanitation and good hygiene are the best ways to prevent Hepatitis A and E. Vaccination for type A virus is available.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid is caused by salmonella typhi bacteria. Typhoid infection happens when you drink water contaminated with sewage that contains the bacteria. It is common in regions without clean water and good sanitation. Symptoms include headache, chills, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, cough, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Doctors use blood tests, stool tests, urine tests, and skin tests to diagnose typhoid. On rare occasions, doctors may order bone marrow tests. Typhoid is treated with antibiotics and vaccines are available. Complications from Typhoid include holes in the intestines, swollen or burst gall bladder, swelling around the brain, inflammation of the heart, kidney failure and miscarriage. Typhoid can be fatal if not treated quickly.
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