Waterborne diseases

Updated: 2024-03-19

Description

Diseases caused by various organisms that spread through water.

Overview

Waterborne diseases come from water that's been tainted with substances such as feces or from water that hasn't been treated. Viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins or chemicals get into the water. Drinking or accidentally swallowing the water can cause illness. So can getting the water in the ears or nose, breathing in droplets of it, or eating tainted seafood.

Symptoms

Waterborne diseases often cause symptoms that start within 10 days of infection. Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomachache or pain, dehydration, upset stomach and vomiting, gas, and weight loss. Some waterborne diseases can affect the skin, bloodstream, reproductive organs or the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

Treatment

Treatment for a waterborne disease depends on its cause. For instance, medicines that help get rid of bacteria or parasites may be prescribed. Symptoms such as dehydration caused by diarrhea may need to be treated with oral rehydration solution or with fluids given through a vein.