HEALTH : How to Protect Your Family From Hidden Dangers in Water (cholera, Typhoid.. : A Simple and Effective Guide to Prevention

Water is essential for life. We drink it, cook with it, and use it to clean ourselves. But did you know that sometimes water can carry germs that make us sick? These sicknesses are called waterborne diseases. Let’s learn more about them and how to protect ourselves!

What Are Waterborne Diseases?

Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by tiny germs like bacteria, viruses, or parasites that live in dirty water. When we drink, swim in, or use this water for cooking, these germs can enter our bodies and make us sick.

Common Waterborne Diseases

Here are some serious waterborne diseases and what they can do to our bodies:

1. Cholera

• What it is: A disease caused by bacteria in contaminated water.
• Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, dehydration, and weakness.
• Danger: If not treated, it can be deadly.

1. Typhoid Fever

• What it is: A bacterial infection from unclean water or food.
• Symptoms: High fever, stomach pain, and tiredness.
• Danger: It can become life-threatening if untreated.

1. Hepatitis A

• What it is: A virus that affects the liver, often from dirty water.
• Symptoms: Yellow skin, fever, and stomach problems.
• Danger: It can make people very sick, especially if they’re not vaccinated.

1. Dysentery

• What it is: A disease causing severe diarrhea, often with blood.
• Symptoms: Painful stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever.
• Danger: It can cause dehydration very quickly.

1. Guinea Worm Disease

• What it is: A parasite infection from drinking water with tiny worms.
• Symptoms: Painful sores as worms come out of the skin.
• Danger: Very painful and can disable people temporarily.

How Do These Diseases Spread?

Waterborne diseases usually spread in areas where:

• Drinking water is not clean.
• People do not have toilets and practice open defecation.
• There is flooding, mixing clean water with dirty water.
• People do not wash their hands before eating or after using the toilet.

How Can We Protect Ourselves?

Here are simple steps you can follow to avoid getting sick from dirty water:

1. Drink Safe Water

• Always drink water that is filtered or boiled.
• If you are not sure the water is safe, boil it for at least one minute.

1. Wash Your Hands

• Wash your hands with soap and clean water before eating and after using the toilet.

1. Cook Food Properly

• Cook food thoroughly to kill any germs.
• Use clean water for washing vegetables and fruits.

1. Avoid Swimming in Dirty Water

• Stay away from lakes, ponds, or rivers that look polluted.
• Don’t swallow water when swimming.

1. Use Toilets

• Always use toilets or latrines to prevent germs from spreading to water sources.

1. Vaccinate

• Get vaccines for diseases like Hepatitis A and Typhoid to stay protected.

1. Keep Water Sources Clean

• Don’t throw trash or waste into rivers, lakes, or wells.
• Protect wells by covering them and keeping animals away.

What to Do If You Get Sick?

If you feel sick, tell an adult immediately. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

• Diarrhea that lasts more than a day.
• Vomiting or fever.
• Feeling very thirsty or tired all the time.

An adult should take you to a doctor quickly. Many waterborne diseases can be treated, but only if you get help in time.

Why Is This Important?

Around the world, many people still don’t have clean water. Every year, millions of children get sick because of waterborne diseases, and some even lose their lives. By learning how to stay safe and sharing this knowledge, we can help ourselves and others live healthier lives.

So, remember: clean water and good hygiene are your best friends for staying healthy!