Friday, August 6, 2010

A Short Summary Of Some Diseases You Can Get From Exposure To Black Waters

By Angelica Tyler

What does the term "black waters" mean, and how can it wreck your health if you are exposed to it? Well, keep reading for more information:

In layman's terms, black waters is that water that has become infected with human, animal, or industrial waste, along with bacteria from decaying food. Sometimes you might hear the contamination referred to as "brown" or "foul" water, as well. The water can become fouled pretty much anywhere, but it also lives at home - in the family toilet.

Therefore, you must remain vigilant in washing your hands thoroughly after each trip to any bathroom facility, so you don't inadvertently expose yourself - or others - to the contamination that is always present. If you are not careful, you can become infected with pathogens that can cause devastating illness and disease. And, it goes without saying that young children must always be watched carefully to make sure they aren't playing in the toilet water at home. So, with that, here are just a few examples of the illnesses that are caused by "black water" exposure:

Campylobacteriosis - This is the scientific name for a common infection caused by dirty water, in which the afflicted suffers dehydrating bouts of diarrhea. Although most exposed people start to feel sick within a week of being exposed, there are some who never come down with the illness at all.

Signs and symptoms of this infection include severe diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, and vomiting - to name a few. And, if a person who catches this isn't in good health to begin with, he could become extremely ill, and could even die.

Escherichia Coli (diarrheagenic E. Coli) - Another illness spread by contaminated water is the infamous E. Coli bacterial virus. The signs and symptoms also include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, as well as chills and fever.

This illness usually runs its course within a week, and although a person might feel like death warmed over, he can normally expect a full recovery. However, in the cases of people with underlying disease conditions - and those who are elderly or very young - dehydration is a particular concern, as is kidney failure, and even death.

Encephalitis - A particularly scary offshoot of black water contamination is mosquito bite-related West Nile viral infections - which among other things can cause a person to develop a brain infection known as encephalitis. Most people bitten by carrier mosquitoes never develop full blown cases of the virus, and may just think they have come down with a very nasty flu.

However, in the elderly, the young, or those who already have an underlying health problem, the virus can run out of control and cause them to develop severe flu-like symptoms - resulting in high fevers that may lead to convulsions. A person may also become paralyzed, go into a coma - or even die.

So now you've learned just a few of the nasty things you can get from exposure to black waters. And, hopefully you've been reminded of the importance of good hand washing techniques - along with always making sure your children stay away from the toilet water, as well. But if you or a loved one may have been exposed - or if anyone in your family starts exhibiting signs and symptoms that are severe - make sure to contact a physician immediately.

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