Water-Borne Disease Impact More than 37 Million People

Water-borne diseases impacts around 37.7 million Indians annually say health experts. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), an apex body, organized a webinar on ‘Water Borne Diseases-Prevention and Symptoms (Jal, Jeevanu aur Jeevan)’ with the objective to cascade awareness and disseminate knowledge about Water Borne Disease, to lead a healthier, happier, and prosperous life. The webinar, which is a part of the Illness to Wellness initiative, highlighted about the pathogenic microbes spread via contaminated water leading to water borne illnesses.

Viruses and bacteria among other microscopic organisms that are ingested through contaminated water can induce conditions known as waterborne infections. Many diseases can be spread when bathing, washing, drinking, or eating food that has come into contact with contaminated water. Typhoid, hepatitis A, jaundice, and diarrhea are a few of the most prevalent water-borne illnesses in India.

Shri Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM CSR Council, in his welcome address said, “Water stands out to be the most essential element in our lives as human body constitutes 60% of water”. Highlighting the high burden of water borne diseases, he said, “80% of the global diseases are water borne which arise out of consumption of unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices.”

“While water is life, clean water is health. Public awareness on drinking safe water and maintaining high standards of personal cleanliness and sanitation is extremely vital in keeping water borne diseases at bay”, he added.

Water-borne diseases generally occur via ingestion of water and are highly linked to the quality of drinking water. Drinking water containing pathogenic microorganisms is the main driver of the burden of water-borne diseases (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Assessing multiple foodborne, waterborne and environmental exposures of healthy people to potential enteric pathogen sources: effect of age, gender, season, and recall period

Go to source). Important water-borne diseases include diarrheal diseases, cholera, shigella, typhoid, hepatitis A and E, and poliomyelitis (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Health in 2015: from MDGs to SDGs

Go to source). Diarrheal diseases alone account for an estimated 3.6% of the global burden of disease.

(Padma Shri) Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Pediatrician Chairman, Nephron Clinic provided insight into the pathogenic microorganisms, toxic exudates they produce, and other contaminants that work together to cause serious illnesses like cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, amebiasis, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, giardiasis, campylobacteriosis, scabies, and worm infections. He continued, “Water borne infections can only be stopped and prevented by WASH (Water and Sanitation Hygiene). Each year, 1.5 million people die from water-borne infections worldwide.”

Children Easily Affected by Water Borne Diseases

He went on to say due to inadequate cleanliness and weakened immunity, children are most affected by the majority of water-borne infections globally. The majority of these illnesses pose a risk to life. With the onset of globalization over the past few decades, knowledge of the various types of water-borne diseases has advanced.

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According to Dr. Paras Gangwal, MBBS, M.D. (Medicine) Consultant Physician, Internist and Intensivist, most hospital admissions are for water borne diseases. Abdominal pain, cramps, dizziness, nausea are a few of the symptoms and it is advised that if a person has breathing issues or is unable to urine should consult a doctor. Poor hygiene and sanitation are the major issues that lead to such a situation.

Mostly diarrhea can cause death in immunocompromised individuals, the very young, and the elderly due to dehydration from prolonged illness, which is caused by E coli infection, he added.

Preventing Water Borne Diseases

While moderating the discussion, Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director Total Care Control, Delhi – NCR EC Member, RSSDI concluded by sharing preventive measures. At a personal level, one must follow sanitary hygiene with discipline. Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet and before touching any food items. Educating friends and family on the dangers of water-borne diseases is needed.

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References:

1. Assessing multiple foodborne, waterborne and environmental exposures of healthy people to potential enteric pathogen sources: effect of age, gender, season, and recall period - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23731678/)
2. Health in 2015: from MDGs to SDGs - (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565110)

Source-Medindia