Waterborne diseases

Water-borne diseases are caused by microorganisms commonly found in nature, they are present in soil, air, food and water. These microorganisms are invisible to the naked eye and are living organisms. The pathogenic (disease causing) microorganisms can be divided in to three types: bacteria, viruses and parasitic protozoa. Bacteria and viruses can exist in both surface water and groundwater, whereas parasitic protozoa can be found mainly in surface water.

Water-borne diseases caused by bacteria include cholera, E. coli, Shigella/Salmoneela (dysentery), Legionellosis, Typhoid fever and Campylobacteriosis.

Water-borne diseases caused by viruses include gastroenteritis (enteric adenovirus, parvovirus, astrovirus), hepatitis, poliomyelitis, and SARS (coronavirus).

Water-borne diseases caused by parasitic protozoa include giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, amoebiasis and cyclosporiasis.