3 Fatal Diseases Caused by Polluted Water

The increase in human activity has resulted in widespread pollution of freshwater sources. Polluted water gives rise to many waterborne diseases, and that is why there is a need to be more careful about the water you drink.Purifying water is crucial to overall health and wellness. If you live in San Marcos or its environs, you can contact San Marcos water softener for your water purification needs. Below are some common diseases that come as a result of polluted water and how to prevent them.

1. Dysentery

Dysentery is an intestinal infection which is caused by contaminated water. Its symptoms include nausea, abdominal pains, blood and mucus in feces, and diarrhea. You can also catch the disease if you eat food prepared by someone with dysentery if they do not clean their hands properly.Other methods of contracting the disease include touching contaminated toilet handles and sink knobs and swimming in contaminated pools.

You can have the infection and not develop any symptoms for weeks or even years, but still spread it to others. To prevent the disease, brush your teeth with bottled water as opposed to tap water. Also, avoid ordering your drinks with ice and eating foods from street vendors.

2. Arsenicosis

Arsenicosis results from drinking water contaminated with arsenic over a long time. Arsenic is a carcinogen that can come in various colors, including gray, silver, and white.it is odorless and tasteless, so you may not know when you are consuming it.The poison occurs mostly in areas of industrialization and is highly contained in groundwater.

The symptoms of arsenic poisoning include red or swollen skin,abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin changes such as warts or lesions,cramping of muscles, abnormal heart rhythm, and tingling of toes and fingers.

You can prevent arsenicosis by drinking clean, filtered water, preparing your foods in clean water, and sticking to bottled water while traveling.

3. Typhoid

Typhoid fever spreads through contaminated water and food. You can also contract the disease if you are in direct contact with an infected person. Some people who recover from the disease can still carry the typhoid bacteria and infect others unknowingly. The symptoms of typhoid include high fever, stomach pain, constipation, poor appetite, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, confusion, and weakness. In some severe cases, one can experience intestinal bleeding or perforations, which can lead to fatal bloodstream infection known as sepsis. The symptoms of sepsis are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. You can also develop complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, and kidney infection.

To prevent the disease, keep away from well and tap water. Avoid icecubes which are not made from boiled or bottled water. Ensure that your bottled drinks are tightly sealed before and after you have had your drink. If you have to take unbottled water, boil it for a minute.

You can keep these diseases at bay by practicing proper hygiene. Wash your hands before meals and after visiting the toilet using antiseptic soap. Avoid sharing personal items and take a bath at least once in a day. Additionally, avoid drinking water from unknown sources and only settle for clean, purified water.