In addition to the rampant air pollution, Delhi also suffers a water contamination problem. The problem of the availability of clean water has been a historical issue in Delhi. India loses 73 million working days due to water-borne diseases, and the national capital follows this national trend.
Though unclean water is the source of several diseases, cholera and typhoid are the most common in India. The following are some common precautions to be taken to avoid getting sick due to water-borne diseases in general :
• Do not eat from street food vendors or outside as much as possible
• Carry your own water in a bottle when stepping out of home
• Make sure to filter or boil and cool the water before drinking
• Do not eat food that has been kept in the open, especially cut fruits
• Do not eat stale food
Diseases to watch out for and how to avoid them –
Cholera :
Cause:
Bacterium vibrio cholera is commonly found in food or water contaminated with feces or in an infected person.
Symptoms:
Acute diarrhea and mild to severe dehydration.
Preventive measures:
1. Drink clean water which is either boiled, has been chemically disinfected, or is bottled.
2. Avoid eating—from roadside vendors, unpeeled fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized milk
3. Oral rehydration solution, oral cholera vaccines
4. Safe sanitation
Typhoid
Bacterium Salmonella Typhi is usually found in contaminated food or water.
Symptoms :
Prolonged fever, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea.
Preventive measures:
1. Use clean water for drinking and other domestic purposes such as cooking and washing.
2. Make sure you eat hot food that’s been hygienically made and appropriately processed.
3. Wash hands with soap before preparing and eating food.
4. Use clean and hygienic toilet facilities.
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