Waterborne diseases
Waterborne diseases
Waterborne diseases (pronunciation: /ˈwɔːtərbɔːrn diːˈziːz/) are illnesses caused primarily by microorganisms often found in contaminated water. These diseases are typically spread while consuming or coming into contact with polluted water.
Etymology
The term "waterborne disease" is derived from the English words "water" and "borne". "Water" is from the Old English "wæter", from Proto-Germanic "*watōr", and "borne" is from the Old English "beran", meaning "to carry". The term thus refers to diseases carried or transmitted through water.
Types of Waterborne Diseases
There are numerous types of waterborne diseases. Some of the most common include:
- Cholera: An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is often found in food or water contaminated by feces from a person with the disease.
- Typhoid fever: A bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting many organs. It's caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, which can be found in contaminated water or food.
- Dysentery: An inflammation of the intestines causing severe diarrhea with blood. It's often caused by Shigella species or Entamoeba histolytica, which can be found in contaminated water or food.
- Hepatitis A: A viral liver disease that can cause mild to severe illness. It's primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the feces of an infected person.
Prevention
Prevention of waterborne diseases primarily involves providing clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and hygiene. This includes boiling or treating water before drinking, washing hands with soap, and using latrines or toilets instead of defecating in open areas.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Waterborne diseases
- Wikipedia's article - Waterborne diseases
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