Throughout the years, water has been considered as a carrier of various health conditions, especially water that is polluted or contaminated. There are several serious water-borne diseases that can develop when an individual ingested contaminated water such as tularemia, cholera, typhoid fever as well as shigellosis. Always bear in mind that these diseases typically infect the digestive system and the symptoms tend to vary in severity from one individual to another.
The water that causes water-borne diseases has been contaminated with the bodily fluids of the infected individual. The water-borne diseases are quite prevalent in less-developed countries where there is poor sanitation and inadequate hygienic practices. In case the water lines are contaminated, it is not uncommon for widespread infection to occur. Several water-borne diseases that are endemic to certain locations do not cause disease among the local residents and only pathogenic to visitors.
Typhoid fever
It is important to note that typhoid fever affects different countries all over the world. The condition is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. An individual becomes infected after being in contact with water or food that has been contaminated by urine or feces of an infected individual.
Typhoid fever can be prevented with proper sanitation of water and food supplies. At the present, vaccinations are already developed. When an individual acquired the condition, it is managed with antibiotics and not considered as a lethal condition. If you want to learn more about this condition, read here.
Shigellosis
It is important to note that shigellosis is considered as a severe form of dysentery which involves the inflammation of the bowels. The condition is triggered by the Shigella dysentarie bacterium which is dangerous since it generates a potent poison that damages the intestines. The individual will suffer from fever, blood in the stool and abdominal pain.
Cholera
Cholera is also considered as an intestinal infection instigated by the Vibrio cholera bacterium. The symptoms of this water-borne disease include severe diarrhea as well as vomiting that can quickly cause dehydration. In case the source of water is infected with the bacterium, it can result to a widespread outbreak. The outbreaks of cholera have occurred worldwide but at the present, it is already confined to Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Tularemia
Tularemia is caused by the Francisella tularensis bacterium. Always bear in mind that this condition is highly infectious that can lead to the formation of skin ulcers, chills, swollen and sore lymph glands as well as fatigue. The condition can affects humans through bites from arthropods as well as the consumption of water that has been contaminated. Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics but can be deadly if not treated right away. With this in mind, if the condition is suspected, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.