As per WHO, over 2 billion people around the world use a drinking water source that is contaminated by faeces. Almost half of the world’s population uses sanitation services that leave human waste untreated. Unsafe and contaminated water is still a cause of many diseases. According to the global health watchdog, cholera has worsened after decades of progress. The following are some diseases caused by polluted water.
Diarrhoea can range from mild, to moderate to a life-threatening situation. It is the second leading cause of death among children under the age of five. Many cases of diarrhoea are caused by an infection in the gastrointestinal tract. Contaminated water might contain viruses, bacteria, and parasitic germs that cause the condition.
Cholera is again an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It usually is caused by the consumption of contaminated water. Some might experience no symptoms while others might have diarrhoea and dehydration. In severe cases, immediate medical intervention is necessary as the condition can become fatal within no time.
Dysentery is an intestinal infection in which the person might experience diarrhoea accompanied by blood or mucus in the stool. It usually spreads in environments where hygiene is compromised and where sanitation is poor. This condition can also become life-threatening in severe cases.
Polio which is again making its way back in some parts of the world is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus. It can spread from one person to another and can infect the spinal cord causing paralysis in some cases. Some might only experience flu-like symptoms, others might develop serious complications like meningitis and paralysis.
Logout