Why Should You Care About Water Quality?
Water can become contaminated with germs like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These tiny organisms are so small you cannot see them with your eyes, but they can cause big problems in your child's body. When children drink contaminated water, use it to wash their hands or food, or even play in polluted water, these germs can enter their system.
Children are more vulnerable than adults because their immune systems are still developing. Their bodies are learning how to fight infections, which means contaminated water that might only upset an adult's stomach could make a child very sick.
Common Diseases Your Child Can Get from Contaminated Water
Cholera
What causes it: Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. This disease is most common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. While it has been largely controlled in developed countries, outbreaks still occur during natural disasters or in regions with inadequate water treatment systems.
What to watch for in your child:
- Sudden, severe watery diarrhea that looks like rice water
- Vomiting
- Rapid dehydration - your child may have sunken eyes, dry mouth, very little urine, or extreme thirst
- Leg cramps
- Irritability or tiredness
Why it is dangerous: Cholera can cause severe dehydration in just a few hours. A child can lose dangerous amounts of body fluids very quickly. Without treatment, severe cholera can be fatal within hours, especially in young children.
When to rush to the doctor: If your child has severe watery diarrhea and vomiting, especially if they are not urinating or seem very weak and drowsy, get medical help immediately. Do not wait.
Typhoid Fever
What causes it: Typhoid is caused by bacteria called Salmonella typhi. It spreads when someone consumes food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person. According to the World Health Organization, typhoid fever affects millions of people globally each year, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation.
What to watch for in your child:
- High fever that gradually increases each day, often reaching 103-104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Weakness and fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Sometimes a rash with flat, rose-colored spots
- Constipation or diarrhea
Why it is dangerous: If left untreated, typhoid can cause serious complications like intestinal bleeding or holes in the intestine. The bacteria can also spread to other organs. The illness typically lasts 3-4 weeks without treatment.
Treatment requires antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. With proper treatment, most children recover completely, but it takes time and rest.
Hepatitis A
What causes it: This is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Children can get it from drinking contaminated water or eating food washed in contaminated water. It can also spread when someone who is infected does not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom and then touches food or objects.
What to watch for in your child:
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes - this is called jaundice
- Dark urine that looks like tea
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain, especially on the right side under the ribs
Important to know: Many young children with Hepatitis A may not show symptoms at all or have very mild symptoms. Older children and adults usually get sicker. The good news is that unlike other types of hepatitis, Hepatitis A does not cause long-term liver damage and people usually recover completely within a few weeks to months.
There is a vaccine available that can protect your child from Hepatitis A. Talk to your doctor about whether your child should receive this vaccine, especially if you live in or plan to travel to areas where the disease is common.
Dysentery
What causes it: Dysentery is severe diarrhea that contains blood and mucus. It can be caused by bacteria like Shigella or by parasites like Entamoeba histolytica. Children get it from contaminated water or food.
What to watch for in your child:
- Diarrhea with blood, mucus, or pus
- Severe stomach cramps and pain
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
- Painful bowel movements
Why it is dangerous: Dysentery can cause serious dehydration and can be especially dangerous for young children. The bacteria or parasites can damage the intestinal lining, leading to blood loss and severe discomfort.
Seek medical help: Any time you see blood in your child's stool, contact your doctor right away. Dysentery requires medical treatment and sometimes antibiotics.
Giardiasis
What causes it: This infection is caused by a tiny parasite called Giardia lamblia. It is one of the most common waterborne parasites worldwide. Children can get it from swallowing water from lakes, rivers, or pools, or from contaminated drinking water.
What to watch for in your child:
- Diarrhea that is greasy and smells very bad
- Gas and bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Symptoms that come and go
Important to know: Some children with giardiasis have no symptoms at all but can still spread the infection to others. Symptoms usually appear 1-3 weeks after infection and can last for weeks if not treated. The good news is that it can be treated effectively with medication prescribed by your doctor.
Cryptosporidiosis
What causes it: This is caused by a parasite called Cryptosporidium. This tough little parasite can survive even in chlorinated water, which is why it sometimes causes outbreaks in swimming pools and water parks.
What to watch for in your child:
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
Why it matters: In healthy children, the illness usually goes away on its own in 1-2 weeks. However, it can be much more serious in children with weak immune systems. The main treatment is keeping your child hydrated and comfortable while their body fights the infection.
Escherichia coli or E. coli Infection
What causes it: E. coli is a type of bacteria. While many types of E. coli are harmless and live in our intestines naturally, some strains like E. coli O157:H7 can make children very sick. These harmful types can contaminate water through animal waste or human sewage.
What to watch for in your child:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea that starts watery and then becomes bloody
- Vomiting
- Low fever or sometimes no fever
Why it is dangerous: Some types of E. coli can cause a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS, which can lead to kidney failure. This is more common in young children under 5 years old.
Important warning: If your child has bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than three days, see a doctor immediately. Do not give anti-diarrhea medicine to children with E. coli infection unless your doctor tells you to, as this might make things worse.
Polio
What causes it: Polio is caused by the poliovirus and spreads through contaminated water and food. Thanks to worldwide vaccination efforts, polio has been eliminated from most countries. However, it still exists in a few regions, particularly in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
What to watch for in your child:
- Most children have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- In rare cases, muscle weakness or paralysis
Prevention is key: The polio vaccine is one of the most important vaccines your child can receive. Make sure your child gets all the recommended polio vaccine doses. This vaccine has saved millions of children from permanent disability.
How to Protect Your Child from Water-Related Diseases
Make Sure Drinking Water is Safe
- Boil water: Boiling water for at least one minute kills most germs. Let it cool before giving it to your child. This is the most reliable way to make water safe at home.
- Use water filters: If you use a water filter, make sure it removes bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Not all filters do this, so read the label carefully.
- Bottled water: When traveling or during emergencies, sealed bottled water from trusted brands is a safe option.
- Check your water source: If you have well water, get it tested regularly to make sure it is safe.
Teach Good Hygiene Habits
- Hand washing: Teach your child to wash their hands with soap and clean water before eating, after using the bathroom, and after playing outside. This simple habit prevents many diseases.
- Food safety: Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before eating. Avoid raw or undercooked food, especially when traveling.
- Personal items: Teach children not to share drinking bottles, cups, or utensils with others.
Be Careful Around Water
- Swimming: Do not let children swallow water while swimming in pools, lakes, or rivers. Teach them to keep their mouth closed while swimming.
- After floods or natural disasters: Do not use tap water until authorities say it is safe. Floodwater can contaminate water supplies.
- When traveling: Be extra careful about water quality when visiting new places. Stick to bottled or boiled water and avoid ice cubes made from tap water in areas with questionable water quality.
Keep Vaccinations Up to Date
Several vaccines protect against waterborne diseases. Make sure your child receives:
- Hepatitis A vaccine
- Polio vaccine
- Typhoid vaccine - especially important if traveling to high-risk areas
- Rotavirus vaccine - protects against a common cause of severe diarrhea in babies and young children
Talk to your pediatrician about which vaccines your child needs based on where you live and travel.
What to Do if Your Child Gets Sick
Keep Your Child Hydrated
When a child has diarrhea or vomiting, the most important thing is to prevent dehydration. Give your child:
- Oral rehydration solution or ORS - you can buy these at pharmacies or make them at home with clean water, salt, and sugar according to WHO guidelines
- Small sips of clean water frequently
- Breast milk for babies who are still nursing
- Avoid sugary drinks and sodas as these can make diarrhea worse
When to See a Doctor
Contact your doctor or go to the hospital if your child has:
- Blood in their stool
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours in babies, or more than 2-3 days in older children
- Signs of dehydration - no urine for 6-8 hours, very dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, or extreme drowsiness
- High fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Severe stomach pain
- Persistent vomiting that prevents them from keeping down any fluids
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
Important: Never give your child anti-diarrhea medicine without asking your doctor first. These medicines can sometimes make waterborne illnesses worse by keeping the infection in the body longer.
Understanding the Global Picture
Waterborne diseases remain a significant global health challenge. The World Health Organization states that unsafe water is a major cause of diarrheal disease worldwide, which particularly affects children under five years of age. While developed countries have largely controlled these diseases through water treatment and sanitation systems, they can still occur during natural disasters, infrastructure failures, or in situations where water treatment systems are compromised.
In many developing regions, lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation continues to put children at risk. International organizations are working to improve water quality and sanitation worldwide, but progress takes time.
Special Situations to Be Aware Of
During Natural Disasters
Floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes can damage water treatment facilities and contaminate water supplies. After such events:
- Only use bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and washing dishes
- Listen to local authorities for information about water safety
- If in doubt, boil water or use water purification tablets
When Camping or Hiking
Natural water sources like streams and rivers can look clean but may contain harmful organisms:
- Always treat water from natural sources before drinking
- Use water purification tablets, portable filters, or boiling
- Teach children never to drink directly from streams, lakes, or rivers
In Daycare and Schools
These settings can sometimes see outbreaks of waterborne diseases:
- Make sure your child's school or daycare has clean water and good handwashing facilities
- Send your child with their own water bottle
- Keep sick children home to prevent spreading illness to others
Your Role as a Parent
As a parent, you are your child's first line of defense against waterborne diseases. By ensuring clean drinking water, teaching good hygiene habits, keeping vaccinations current, and knowing when to seek medical help, you can protect your child from these preventable illnesses.
Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Most waterborne diseases can be avoided with simple precautions. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and trust your instincts. If something does not seem right with your child's health, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Always ensure your child drinks clean, safe water - when in doubt, boil it
- Hand washing with soap is one of the most effective ways to prevent waterborne diseases
- Watch for warning signs like bloody diarrhea, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration
- Keep your child's vaccinations up to date, especially Hepatitis A, polio, and typhoid vaccines
- Teach your child not to swallow water while swimming
- During travel or emergencies, be extra cautious about water sources
- Seek medical help promptly if your child shows signs of serious illness
Resources for Further Reading
For more detailed information about waterborne diseases and child health, you can refer to:
- World Health Organization official website section on water, sanitation and health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention water-related diseases information
- UNICEF resources on water, sanitation and hygiene
- Your national health department's guidelines on water safety
- Medical textbooks such as Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics for comprehensive information on childhood diseases
Always consult these official sources and your healthcare provider for the most current and accurate information.
Final Thoughts
Water is life, but only when it is clean and safe. As parents, we cannot see the germs that might be in water, but we can take simple steps to protect our children. Most waterborne diseases are preventable, and when they do occur, early recognition and treatment can prevent serious complications.
Your awareness and action make all the difference. By following the prevention tips shared in this article and staying alert to warning signs, you are giving your child the gift of health and safety.
Remember, you know your child best. If you feel something is wrong, seek medical advice. It is always better to be cautious when it comes to your child's health.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your child's health or medical conditions.
Labels: Insects-Pathogens