Water-Related Diseases

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Define water-related diseases & understand their causes.

• Identify different types of waterborne diseases.

• Recognize the effects of these diseases on health & communities.

• Discuss ways to prevent water-related diseases.

Introduction to Water-Related Diseases

Water is one of the most essential resources for life on Earth. It is crucial for drinking, cooking, sanitation, & supporting ecosystems. However, when water becomes contaminated with harmful substances, it can lead to serious health problems known as water-related diseases. These diseases are caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, & parasites) that are transmitted through contaminated water sources. Understanding these diseases is vital for protecting our health & the health of our communities.

What Are Water-Related Diseases?

Water-related diseases can be classified into two main categories:

Waterborne Diseases :These diseases can be caused by pathogens that are enter through the consumption of contaminated drinking water. Common examples are cholera, typhoid fever &  hepatitis A.

Water-Washed Diseases: Insufficient water for personal cleanliness & sanitation. Common with sparse sanitation standards, examples include trachoma and scabies.

Importance of Clean Water

Clean water access is preventing waterborne diseases. Access to safe drinking water is the most easily manageable risk factor for these diseases. Unfortunately, many communities around the globe still do not have access to clean water sources.

Common Water-Related Diseases

Here are some of the more common water-borne diseases:

1. Cholera

Description: holera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium vibrio cholerae. It is transmitted through contaminated drinking water or eating.

Symptoms: Symptoms can include profuse diarrhea, vomiting and muscle cramps. Without treatment, cholera can lead to severe dehydration & death in a matter of hours.

2. Typhoid Fever

Description: Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is spread through food & water that has been contaminated with faeces.

Symptoms: Sustained fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, headache & decreased appetite.

3. Giardiasis

Description: Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia. It is transmitted through contaminated drinking water.

Symptoms: Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, & nausea.

 

4. E. Coli Infections

Description: Certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria can cause severe foodborne illness & are often linked to contaminated water.

Symptoms: Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), & vomiting.

5. Hepatitis A

Description: Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver & is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Symptoms: Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, & jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

6. Amoebiasis

Description: Amoebiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. It is transmitted through contaminated food or water.

Symptoms: Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody), & fever.

Real-Life Examples of Water-Related Diseases

Understanding real-life examples helps illustrate the impact of these diseases:

Cholera Outbreaks in Haiti

After the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, a cholera outbreak occurred due to contaminated drinking water sources. Thousands of people were affected, highlighting the importance of clean water access in disaster situations.

Typhoid Fever in Developing Countries

Typhoid fever remains a significant health issue in many developing nations where access to clean drinking water is limited. Efforts to improve sanitation have been crucial in reducing cases.

Giardiasis from Recreational Water

Infections of giardiasis have been described after swimming in lakes or river contaminated with feces from animals or humans. This highlights the importance of safe swimming practices.

Fun Facts About Water-Related Diseases

Waterborne diseases have a lot of fun facts associated with them:

Formula Chart for Understanding Disease Prevention

Understanding what we can do to avert these diseases is essential to ensuring health:

Preventing Water-Related Diseases

To prevent all water-related diseases, individuals, communities, governments, & organizations must all take action:

• Water Safety: Making sure everyone has access to safe drinking water is critical for preventing these illnesses.

• Better Hygiene Practices: Construction of adequate sewage systems minimizes contamination of drinking water sources.

• Educating People on Hygiene : Bringing awareness of hygiene practices to communities can reduce infections drastically.

• Regular Testing: Testing local waters for contaminants helps identify risks before they lead to outbreaks.

• Emergency Preparedness: Communities must be prepared to provide safe drinking water during natural disasters or other emergencies.

Community Actions

There are a few things that communities can do to help prevent water-based diseases:

• Creating communal wells that enable access to potable water.

• Conducting periodic clean-up drives to clear the trash from community water bodies.

• Educating residents about proper waste disposal methods.

• Collaborating with local health authorities to monitor disease outbreaks.

Conclusion

According to WHO, water-related diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide but are preventable with education, better sanitation, & access to clean drinking water. Knowing how these diseases spread puts us in the driver’s seat to help prevent them in our communities.

By practicing good hygiene habits and supporting access to clean water for all, we can aid in reducing the rate of these diseases & keeping ourselves healthy! Keep in mind that you can do little things to think of safe drinking water for each & every one!