WATER SANITATION – RELATED DISEASES

5 Types of Diseases Related to Water and Sanitation

1. Intestinal Infections - water borne

2. Intestinal Infections - water washed

3. Worm Infections

4. Skin Infections

5. Water - related Infections

Intestinal Infections - Water Borne

1. Cholera – serious intestinal disease characterized by sudden onset profuse watery stools, vomiting, rapid dehydration, acidosis and circulatory collapse.

2. Typhoid fever – systematic infectious disease characterized by continued fever, malaise, anorexia, slow pulse, rose spots on trunks. Caused by Salmonella typhi.

3. Hepatitis A – infection of the liver characterized by fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea and abdominal discomfort and jaundice.

Mode of Transmission:

1. Drinking of contaminated water.

2. Eating of contaminated food.

1. Protect water supplies against fecal contamination and boiling water where necessary.

2. Good sanitation and personal hygiene (washing of hands with soap and water before eating, after defecating or coming from the toilet.

Prevention/Control:

Intestinal Infections – Water Washed

1. Diarrhea – passing loose watery stools three or more times a day. Causes dehydration.

2. Amoebic Dysentery – acute dysentery with profuse blood and mucus, usually with little puss.

Mode of Transmission:

1. Hand to hand contact.

2. Mouth transfer of fresh feces and contaminated food and flies.

Prevention/Control:1. Plenty of clean water for hand washing.

2. Good sanitation and personal hygiene.

3. Proper food handling.

Worm Infections

1. Round Worm – caused by Ascaris lumbricodes. May cause abdominal pain and malabsorption of fat, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins.

2. Hookworm – clinical manifestation are iron-deficiency anemia and hypoalbuminemia consequent to chronic intestinal blood loss.

Mode of Transmission:

1. Soil contaminated feces.

Prevention/Control:

1. Proper waste disposal through the use of sanitary toilets.

2. Good sanitation and personal hygiene.

Skin Infections

1. Scabies – results in a popular or eczematous reaction at the sites of involvement. Itching is often and severe in tend to be more marked on night.

Mode of Transmission:

1. Hand to hand contact.

Prevention/Control:

1. Plenty of water for hand washing.

2. Good personal hygiene.

Water Related Infections

1. Malaria – fever and blood smear positive for malarial parasite.

2. Schistosmiasis

3. Dengue – fever of 3 or more days duration and hemorrhagic manifestation.

Mode of Transmission:1. Bites of mosquitoes and other insects.

Prevention/Control:1. Protected water supply.

2. Proper drainage.

3. Clean surroundings.

4. Proper waste disposal through the use of sanitary toilets.