Updated on - 05 Feb 2026
Waterborne diseases continue to be a major global health concern, affecting millions of people around the world. The risk becomes especially severe in regions where access to clean and safe water is limited, as contaminated sources become a primary means of transmission. Such contamination can easily spread harmful pathogens, leading to infections that may cause serious health complications.
To understand the extent of this issue, it is important to look at the common types of waterborne diseases, their causes and the preventive measures that can help control their spread.
What are waterborne diseases?
Consuming contaminated water or coming into contact with infected water sources might lead to waterborne diseases. These illnesses are frequently brought on by dangerous microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and parasites) found in various water bodies. These tiny living organisms can cause a wide range of diseases after they enter the body, affecting general health and well-being.
The common types of waterborne diseases are:
Typhoid:
Contaminated food or water can transmit the bacterial infection, causing typhoid fever. The symptoms include fever, headache, diarrhoea and stomach pain.
Cholera:
It is a bacterial disease caused by the consumption of infected food or water. Severe diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration are some of the common symptoms of cholera.
Hepatitis:
If polluted food or water is consumed, the Hepatitis causing virus can spread easily. Fever, exhaustion, skin yellowing and vomiting are the usual symptoms.
Shigellosis:
The bacterial infection is contracted by having infected water. Discomfort in the abdomen, fever and bloody diarrhoea are common symptoms of shigellosis.
Giardia:
This is a different type of waterborne disease. It is brought by the Giardia parasites and is also known as beaver fever. This also spread through contaminated water and food, mainly through ponds and streams. Bloating, nausea and diarrhoea are some of the usual symptoms.
What are the causes of waterborne diseases?
Pathogens present in water sources lead to waterborne diseases. Knowledge of these and other specific causative agents is important to avoid illnesses. It is equally important to know the methods of safe water provision.
Here are some of the major causes of waterborne diseases:
Contaminated drinking water:
As pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites abound in contaminated water, those who consume such water can fall sick. Contaminated water can be the fallout of industrial waste or improper garbage disposal.
Poor sanitation:
Poor adherence to proper sanitation when disposing of waste contaminates water, which can spread diseases among humans. Lack of hygiene enhances the probability of a higher number of people contracting water-borne diseases.
Unhygienic food handling:
This is because contaminated water could have been used in the food-making process. Hence, consumption of such food could lead to the spread of many types of diseases.
Recreational water activities:
Swimming or bathing in contaminated water can also lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Stagnant water in lakes or pools that may not have been cleaned frequently can be a potential health risk to people.
Animal waste:
Such waste can mix with water sources, especially when animals excrete on river banks or lake shores. Water contaminated this way can carry deadly germs and be totally unfit for human consumption.
Natural disasters:
Floods can disrupt sanitation facilities and contribute to the spread of pollution. Water sources become contaminated and pose a high risk for water-related diseases.
Preventive measures to avoid waterborne diseases
Now that you know the causes, here are the preventive measures you must follow:
1. Safe drinking water
- To ensure drinking safe water, use water filtering techniques like boiling or treating it with iodine or chlorine pills.
- Installing water purifiers at home adds an additional degree of security.
- Always have portable filters or water purification pills during outdoor visits.
2. Keep yourself clean
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
- To establish positive habits, teach kids the value of washing their hands regularly.
3. Well-cooked food
- Food should be cooked or boiled at the proper temperature to destroy all the bacteria and viruses.
- Ensure that you prepare meals with water that comes from a safe source. If not available, consider boiling before usage.
4. Dispose of waste responsibly
- Refrain from disposing of garbage close to water sources. To avoid pollution, communities should promote and implement appropriate trash disposal practices.
- When travelling, take care of where you dispose of unclean water and rubbish.
5. Enhance sanitation access
- Encourage improved public sanitation systems in resource-constrained places.
- Advocate for funding of safe sewage systems or clean water initiatives.
Does health insurance cover risks from waterborne diseases?
A standard health insurance policy can cover hospitalisation and treatment expenses related to waterborne illnesses. Typhoid, cholera and viral gastroenteritis are examples of diseases covered by general insurance policies. To put it simply, you can claim coverage for medically diagnosed conditions that need to be treated through hospitalisations, doctor visits, medicines and tests.
However, the specifics of coverage depend on your policy type. To get information on any exclusions or sub-limits on particular treatment, consult with your policy provider.
Investing in a health insurance policy is the best defence against the financial burden of unanticipated sickness. If you don’t have one, let us make the effort to look after you and your family. Fill out the form on this page to receive personalised health insurance advice.
Conclusion
Being informed shields you against the ongoing global threat of waterborne illnesses. You can significantly lower the risks by knowing typical causes, which range from contaminated water sources to inadequate sanitation.
Alongside these precautions, having a comprehensive health insurance policy is equally important. Such a policy includes various plans that offer coverage for a wide range of treatments, ensuring financial support when medical care is needed. For example, when you opt for a critical illness insurance, it can provide an additional degree of protection against unforeseen serious health issues.
FAQs
1. Are all waterborne diseases treatable with antibiotics?
No. Doctors recommend antibiotics to treat bacterial diseases like cholera and typhoid. But these can be ineffective against viral infections like Norovirus, which calls for supportive care. For parasitic infections, anti-parasitic drugs are prescribed.
2. Can waterborne illnesses transmit from person to person?
Yes! Some infections, like Hepatitis A or specific types of diarrhoea, can be transmitted through close contact. It happens commonly if hand hygiene is poor.
3. Can pets transfer waterborne illnesses?
Although it is less common, parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium can spread from pets who have the disease due to a lack of basic hygiene. This risk can be decreased by frequently washing your hands after handling pets and making sure their water source is clean.
4. What shall I do if someone in my family shows waterborne disease symptoms?
If someone from your family has similar symptoms, ask them to stay hydrated by drinking safe liquids and get help right away. Consulting with experts is vital, particularly if they have symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.