Waterborne infections

How are waterborne transmitted infections created?

Lakes, rivers, and the ocean can be contaminated by sewage spills, animal waste, and water runoff following rainfall. Some common germs can also live for long periods of time in salt water. 2

Many other waterborne infections (skin, ear, eye, respiratory, neurologic, and wound infections) are caused by germs that live naturally in water. 3

People can contaminate the water they are in. On average, people have about 0.14 grams of faeces on their bottoms which, when rinsed off, can contaminate recreational water. 3

How are waterborne infections contracted?

If someone swallows water that is contaminated, he/she may become sick. Many of these diarrhoea-causing germs do not have to be swallowed in large amounts to cause illness. 3

Waterborne infections can also be spread by direct skin contact with contaminated water (including mucous membranes). 4 Having contaminated water get in the ear can also spread infection. 5

How to avoid waterborne infections?

Don’t drink water straight from lakes, rivers, streams, or springs.

If you are unsure of the Tapped water supply

Boil all water before drinking it. Use only ice made from boiled water. Drink only canned or bottled drinks or beverages made with boiled water.

Steaming-hot foods, fruits you peel yourself, bottled and canned processed drinks, and hot coffee or tea should be safe.

Boiling is the best way to kill germs in your water. Heat your water at a rolling boil for 1 minute. After the boiled water cools, put it in a clean bottle or pitcher with a lid and store it in the refrigerator. Use the water for drinking, cooking, or making ice. Water bottles and ice trays should be cleaned with soap and water before use. Don’t touch the inside of them after cleaning. If you can, clean your water bottles and ice trays yourself.

Avoid salads. 6

Wet cooling towers (if used) and cooling water systems should be regularly maintained, cleaned, and disinfected. Water should not be allowed to stagnate and should be circulated at temperatures below 20°C or above 60°C 7

Avoid swimming in water that has not bee properly chlorinated water, cover any cuts or breaks in skin prior to entering the water.

Wash hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after using the toilet. 8

Wash hands, knives and cutting boards with hot soapy water after handling uncooked foods. 8

Wash fruit and vegetables in clean chlorinated water or water that has been boiled. 8

Which infections are waterborne infections?

These infections are waterborne infection

Avian Influenza
Cryptosporidium infection
Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection
Giardia
Viral Hepatitis A 1
Leptospirosis
Viral (Aseptic) meningitis (enterovirus infection)
Naegleria Infection
Norovirus
Salmonellosis
Shigellosis 3

References and sources

  1. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/water/drinking.htm
  2. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/how.htm
  3. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/fact_sheets.htm#e
  4. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/derm.htm
  5. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/swimmers_ear.htm
  6. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/brochure/food.htm
  7. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no2/emmerson.htm
  8. http://www.capetown.gov.za/clusters/health.asp?IDPathString=1123-1373-1377-1830&clusid=245&catparent=1830

 

 

 

All information supplied here is done so freely and Adveticus Limited takes no responsibility for the outcome if any or all of this advice is taken. All advice used from these pages is at your own risk.