Waterborne Diseases: An Academic Overview
Introduction
Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are
transmitted through contaminated water. These diseases remain a major global public
health concern, particularly in low-income countries where access to clean and safe
drinking water is limited. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2
billion people globally use a drinking water source contaminated with feces, contributing
to millions of deaths annually, especially among children under five.
Causes and Transmission
Waterborne diseases are primarily caused by ingestion of water contaminated with
human or animal waste containing disease-causing microbes such as bacteria, viruses,
and parasites. Contamination can occur at various stages including source, storage, or
distribution. Common routes of transmission include:
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating contaminated food washed or cooked with unsafe water
- Poor sanitation and hygiene practices
- Contact with contaminated surface or recreational water
Common Waterborne Diseases
1. Cholera
- Causative agent: Vibrio cholerae
- Symptoms: Profuse watery diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting
- Transmission: Ingestion of contaminated water or food
- Prevention: Water treatment, sanitation, and oral cholera vaccines
2. Typhoid Fever
- Causative agent: Salmonella typhi
- Symptoms: High fever, weakness, stomach pains, headache
- Transmission: Contaminated drinking water and food
- Prevention: Vaccination, improved hygiene, safe water
3. Hepatitis A and E
- Causative agents: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV)
- Symptoms: Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite
- Transmission: Fecal-oral route through water
- Prevention: Safe drinking water, improved sanitation, vaccination (HAV)
4. Giardiasis
- Causative agent: Giardia lamblia
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, nausea
- Transmission: Contaminated water, especially in rural or untreated areas
- Prevention: Water filtration and boiling, personal hygiene
5. Dysentery (Bacillary and Amoebic)
- Causative agents: Shigella spp. or Entamoeba histolytica
- Symptoms: Severe diarrhea with blood, fever, abdominal cramps
- Transmission: Ingestion of contaminated water
- Prevention: Clean water, sanitation, handwashing
Impact on Public Health
Waterborne diseases have a disproportionate impact on children and vulnerable
populations in developing countries. According to UNICEF and WHO (2023), diarrheal
diseases resulting from unsafe water and poor sanitation are a leading cause of death
among children under five. These diseases contribute to malnutrition, school
absenteeism, and economic loss.
Prevention and Control Measures
- Water Treatment: Filtration, chlorination, and boiling of drinking water
- Sanitation: Proper waste disposal and maintenance of clean latrines
- Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing with soap
- Health Education: Promoting awareness about clean water use and disease prevention
- Policy and Infrastructure: Investment in water supply systems and sewage treatment
Conclusion
Waterborne diseases continue to pose serious threats to global health and development.
Their prevention requires a comprehensive approach combining improved water quality,
sanitation, hygiene education, and policy enforcement. As access to safe water is a
fundamental human right, governments and international agencies must work
collaboratively to eliminate waterborne diseases and promote health equity.
References (APA Style)
- World Health Organization. (2023). Drinking-water.
[Link]
- UNICEF. (2023). Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
[Link]
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Waterborne Diseases.
[Link]
- Fewtrell, L., & Bartram, J. (Eds.). (2001). Water quality: Guidelines, standards and
health. IWA Publishing.
- Prüss-Ustün, A., Bartram, J., Clasen, T., et al. (2019). Burden of disease from
inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene for selected adverse health outcomes: An
updated analysis with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. International Journal
of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 222(5), 765–777.
