Prevent waterborne disease with these precautions.

Water is an essential part of our lives. It is important to consume clean and hygienic water to stay healthy. However, water can also be the carrier of various diseases if it is contaminated. In this article, we will discuss the precautions one should take to prevent waterborne diseases.

Thomas Mathew is a healthy 28-year-old employee of a Tower construction contractor of a mobile company. Along with a few locals and others from outside the state, there are 10 of them who live together. They cook for themselves and use tap water for drinking and cooking. When he tasted the water sour, he decided to go home and stay there for a week.

He returned when there was a summer shower. That’s when Thomas discovered that the rest of his colleagues were sick. Two were down with jaundice, two had some tummy ailment, one had fever and two more had a tummy ache. This shows that various diseases can be transmitted through water.

It is essential to take precautions to prevent waterborne diseases. Here are some of the measures you can take:

1. Drink Clean Water

Drinking clean water is the best way to deal with waterborne diseases. However, under current conditions, it may not be possible to get access to clean water. In such cases, using boiled and filtered water will help in preventing such diseases to some extent.

2. Wash Food Grains and Vegetables Properly

It is important to make sure that the food you consume is safe. To avoid contamination from water, make sure to wash food grains and vegetables properly before using them.

3. Cook Your Food in Hygienic Conditions

Cook your food in hygienic conditions to prevent contamination. Also, cover the food properly once it is cooked.

4. Avoid Polluted Water Sources

Avoid using polluted water sources for drinking or cooking purposes. These sources could be contaminated with harmful germs and bacteria that can cause waterborne diseases. It is best to use properly treated water for these purposes.

5. Keep Your Surroundings Clean

Keeping your surroundings clean is essential to prevent waterborne diseases. Make sure that there is no stagnant water in or around your house as it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease-causing organisms.

6. Seek Medical Help

If you experience symptoms of a waterborne disease such as diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach ache, seek medical help immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to complications and in severe cases, even mortality.

Preventing waterborne diseases is essential to maintain good health. By taking these precautions, you can minimize your risk of contracting such diseases. It is important to spread awareness about the dangers of contaminated water and take appropriate steps to ensure that water is safe for consumption.

Information courtesy: Malayala Manorama Weekly