Question

What measures would you like to take to prevent water-borne diseases?

Answer 1

Water borne diseases, infection that are transmitted through water, are a serious risk to heath. Cholera, diarrhea, hepatitis are some of the common water borne diseases. There are around 4 billion cases of diarrhea every year, of which 88% is due to poor sanitation. Most of these cases can be prevented through improved treatment of water.

Water borne diseases can be prevented by several measures:

1) Drinking water that is untreated is a potential hazard, especially during travelling. Drinking water that has passed through several treatment methods to remove impurities and pathogens is one way to prevent water borne diseases. Bleach can be added to untreated water and allowed to sit before consumption. Water can be boiled and filtered before drinking. These treatments are effective in removing microorganism from water. Water should not be swallowed during swimming, hot tubs, or interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, streams, or the ocean. Drinking water from lakes, ponds, rivers, springs etc should be avoided. Ice should be carried or bottle water should be used for high destination travelling.

2) Fruits and vegetables should be properly washed with treated water before consumption, especially after handling raw meat. This method will remove bacteria and other microorganisms that are present in them. Contact between cooked and raw foods should be prevented.

3) People should practice good hygiene. Good hygiene includes washing of hands before eating and flushing toilets and washing utensils that are used for cutting vegetables and other foods. Clothes can be washed in warm water to disinfect them. Adequate waste disposal is another method of prevention.

4) Practice good environmental management by flushing and discarding stool from the toilet and cleaning the toilet seat with hot water and chorine based detergents.

5) Proper cleaning of sewage plants, proper disposal of excreta will prevent these disease spread. Further proper cleaning of water treatment plants should be ensured.

6. Disinfection of water reservoirs, and community water supplies should be performed.  

7. Vaccination against these water borne disease organims will also help prevent infections.

8. Spreading awareness among the population reagrding these illnesses will also help in prevention of epidemics.