Water-borne illnesses
Illnesses caused by organisms found in water may have symptoms that are similar to food poisoning. These illnesses include:
- The cryptosporidium parasite, which is often spread by contaminated water or hands. The use of manure to fertilize salad vegetables also is a possible source of infection. Incidence is highest in daycare centres and institutional settings; thorough handwashing usually prevents its spread. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. These symptoms usually last 2 to 4 days in a healthy person. A slight fever occurs about half the time. People with AIDS whose immune systems are weakened and are unable to fight infection may have symptoms of cryptosporidium infection for life.
- Gastrointestinal viruses, which cause mild symptoms that last from 24 to 60 hours. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Headache and low-grade fever may also occur. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 days after exposure to the virus. These viruses are usually spread from person to person, although they also can be spread by eating shellfish grown in contaminated waters.
- The parasite Giardia lamblia, which causes giardiasis (also called giardia). The symptoms of giardia include diarrhea, gas (flatulence), abdominal cramps, nausea, and a general unwell feeling (malaise). Giardiasis is typically found where water treatment facilities are limited or where general sanitation is poor.
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: May 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
 | ||
| |