Microbiology and Clinical Research

Water Borne Diseases

Waterborne diseases are caused by a variety of microorganisms, biotoxins, and toxic contaminants, which lead to devastating illnesses such as cholera, schistosomiasis and other gastrointestinal problems. These diseases can be spread while bathing, washing, drinking water, or by eating food exposed to contaminated water. The germs in the faeces can cause the diseases by even slight contact. This contamination may occur due to floodwaters, septic fields, and sewer pipes. Diarrhea and vomiting are the most reported symptoms of waterborne illness. Malaria transmission is facilitated when large numbers of people sleep outdoors or sleep in houses that have no protection against invading mosquitoes. Malaria mosquitoes, tropical black flies, and bilharzias snails can be controlled with efficient drainage system because they all depend on water to complete their life cycles. Clean water is a pre-requisite for reducing the spread of water-borne diseases among the humans.