Waterborne Diseases

Waterborne diseases are one of the most serious health threats in crisis situations. When water infrastructure fails or during natural disasters, the risk of contamination increases dramatically. This guide will help you recognize, prevent, and respond to common waterborne illnesses.

1. Cholera - Symptoms and Prevention

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It spreads through contaminated water and food, and can cause severe dehydration within hours if untreated.

Key Information

Cholera can kill within hours if not treated. The key to survival is rapid rehydration. Learn to recognize symptoms early and always have oral rehydration salts (ORS) in your emergency supplies.

Symptoms

Watery diarrhea - often described as "rice water" appearance
Severe vomiting and rapid dehydration
Muscle cramps from electrolyte loss
Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure

Prevention Methods

Boil or chemically treat all drinking water
Avoid raw foods washed with untreated water
Practice strict hand hygiene after toilet use
Cholera vaccine available for high-risk situations

2. Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria and spreads through contaminated water and food. Unlike cholera, typhoid develops gradually over 1-3 weeks.

Key Information

Typhoid is often called "the great imitator" because early symptoms resemble many other illnesses. Sustained high fever that rises gradually over several days is the hallmark sign. Seek medical attention for any persistent fever during water emergencies.

Symptoms

Gradual fever rising to 104°F (40°C) over several days
Headache, weakness, and body aches
Rose-colored spots on chest and abdomen
Constipation (early) or diarrhea (later stages)
Enlarged spleen and liver

Prevention Methods

Drink only treated or bottled water
Avoid street food and uncooked vegetables
Typhoid vaccine recommended for high-risk areas
Wash hands thoroughly before eating

3. Giardiasis and Other Parasites

Giardiasis is caused by the Giardia lamblia parasite and is one of the most common waterborne parasitic infections worldwide. It's often found in untreated wilderness water sources.

Key Information

Giardia cysts are extremely resistant to chlorine disinfection. Boiling or filtration (0.5 micron or smaller) is required for reliable removal. "Clear" water from streams can still be heavily contaminated.

Symptoms

Explosive, foul-smelling diarrhea (often greasy/fatty)
Severe bloating, gas, and abdominal cramps
Nausea and loss of appetite
Symptoms appear 1-3 weeks after exposure

Other Common Parasites

Cryptosporidium - causes severe diarrhea, chlorine-resistant
Entamoeba histolytica - causes amoebic dysentery
Cyclospora - causes prolonged watery diarrhea

4. Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that are extremely resistant to standard water treatment methods including chlorination.

Key Information

Cryptosporidium is highly resistant to chlorine and many chemical disinfectants. Boiling (1 minute at rolling boil) or filtration with 1-micron or smaller filter is the only reliable treatment. Even "treated" municipal water can be contaminated during outbreaks.

Symptoms

Profuse watery diarrhea lasting 1-2 weeks
Stomach cramps and pain
Nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever
Can be life-threatening for immunocompromised individuals

Prevention Methods

Boiling is the most effective treatment
Use filters rated for Cryptosporidium (1 micron absolute)
UV treatment is effective against Crypto
During outbreaks, avoid swallowing pool water

5. Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It spreads through contaminated water and food, and fecal-oral transmission. It's one of the most common vaccine-preventable waterborne diseases.

Key Information

Hepatitis A can remain infectious in water for months. Vaccination provides excellent protection and is recommended for anyone at risk of water emergencies. The virus is killed by boiling but can survive standard chlorination levels.

Symptoms

Fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite (early signs)
Jaundice - yellowing of skin and eyes
Dark urine and pale stools
Abdominal pain, especially near the liver
Symptoms appear 2-6 weeks after exposure

Prevention Methods

Hepatitis A vaccination - highly effective
Boil water or use certified purification systems
Avoid raw shellfish from contaminated waters
Strict hand hygiene after using toilet

6. General Prevention Principles

The most effective protection against all waterborne diseases is preventing contamination in the first place. Follow these universal prevention principles.

Key Information

Remember: "When in doubt, treat it." The inconvenience of water treatment is nothing compared to severe illness during an emergency when medical care may be unavailable.

Always treat water from unknown sources - boiling is most reliable
Store treated water properly in clean, sealed containers
Practice strict hand hygiene - especially before eating and after toilet
Separate food preparation from toilet/waste areas
Keep sick individuals isolated and their waste properly disposed
Monitor water sources for signs of contamination

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek medical attention immediately if you or a family member shows these signs:

Signs of severe dehydration (sunken eyes, dry mouth, no urination)
Blood in stool or vomit
High fever (over 102°F/39°C) lasting more than 2 days
Inability to keep fluids down
Altered consciousness or confusion
Symptoms in infants, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals

Summary

Waterborne diseases represent one of the greatest health threats in emergency situations. By understanding the symptoms, practicing prevention, and knowing when to seek help, you can protect yourself and your family from these dangerous illnesses.