What if we drink only tap water in Pakistan it is safe or not ? | Muhammad Hanzala |

What if we drink only tap water in Pakistan it is safe or not ?

The answer is no because tap water contain bacteria, virus and protozoan which causes many disease such as stomach pain, vomiting illness etc.

• Bacteria

1. Escherichia coli

(E. coli) is a rod-shaped bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and feces of warm-blooded animals. It is a member of the fecal coliform group of bacteria and is distinguished by its inability to break down urease. E. coli numbers in freshwater are determined by counting the number of yellow and yellow brown colonies growing on a 0.45 micron filter placed on m-TEC media and incubated at 35.0º C for 22-24 hours. The addition of urea substrate confirms that colonies are E. coli. This bacteria is a preferred indicator for freshwater recreation and its presence provides direct evidence of fecal contamination from warm-blooded animals. Although usually harmless, E. coli can cause illnesses such as meningitis, septicemia, urinary tract, and intestinal infections.

2. Giardiasis

This is a parasitic disease caused by Giardia duodenalis that comes from food or water contaminated with feces having Giardia duodenalis cysts. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. There is no vaccine for this disease, but it can be treated with antibiotics and anti-parasitic medication. As with other diseases on this list, giardiasis is easily preventable by providing access to safe sources of water

3. Leptospirosis

This is a bacterial illness spread by the urine of infected animals, which can in turn contaminate water, soil and plants. Some symptoms include a high fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, kidney failure, bleeding in lungs, and meningitis can occur. Treatment involves administering appropriate antibiotics as soon as possible. But the best way to stave off leptospirosis is through prevention, which involves controlling the prevalence of contaminated animals, protecting oneself against sources of the disease, such as contaminated water, and preventing infection or disease in a human host through vaccination or antibiotic prophylaxis. 

4. Cholera

This is a bacterial disease that leads to acute infection of the intestine. It is spread by the feces of people who have been infected, and can be present in both the water that people drink and the food that they eat. The illness is prevalent in many underdeveloped countries, where people lack access to safe sources of drinking water and food. Poor sanitation and lack of good hygiene practices can lead to outbreaks of cholera, especially in crowded settlements. A person infected with the disease will experience diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Severe cases can lead to rapid dehydration and death. About half of people left untreated die of the illness. Treatment involves the replacement of lost fluids and salts. To achieve this most effectively, oral rehydration salts should be given to infected persons. Cholera can be prevented simply by providing access to safe drinking water, proper personal and food hygiene, and hygienic disposal of human waste

• Viruses

1. Hepatitis

There are different types of this disease. Types A and E can be transmitted through water and food that is contaminated with human feces. The disease is essentially inflammation of the liver. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite and nausea. Fortunately, most people who contract Hepatitis A or E recover without any long-term effects. There is no specific treatment, so prevention is key. As with other water-borne diseases, access to safe water and good hygiene practices can prevent Hepatitis A and E from occurring. In addition, there is a vaccine for Hepatitis A, which is often recommended to people travelling to tropical destinations.

2. Astrovirus

Astrovirus is passed when stool containing the virus is accidentally ingested. This is usually caused when traces of stool are found on hands or objects.

If you accidentally touch a contaminated hand or surface and then your own mouth (called the fecal-oral route), you can get infected.

It only takes a small exposure to astrovirus to make a person sick. Once a person is infected, the virus will continually be shed into fecal matter (stools).

Even when the person starts to feel better, they may still be shedding virus and can continue to infect others.

While it is less common than other diarrhea-causing viruses, astroviruses still account for 2% to 9% of all pediatric gastroenteritis cases in the world.

In addition to loose or watery stools, symptoms of astrovirus may include

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Loss of appetite
• Body aches
• Fever

3. Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea. Before the development of a vaccine, most children had been infected with the virus at least once by age 5.

Although rotavirus infections are unpleasant, you can usually treat this infection at home with extra fluids to prevent dehydration. Occasionally, severe dehydration requires receiving fluids through a vein (intravenously) in the hospital.

Good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, is important. But vaccination is the best way to prevent rotavirus infection

A rotavirus infection usually starts within two days of exposure to the virus. Early symptoms are a fever and vomiting, followed by three to seven days of watery diarrhea. The infection can cause abdominal pain as well.

In healthy adults, a rotavirus infection may cause only mild signs and symptoms or none at all

Child's Symptoms

• Has diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• Vomits frequently
• Has black or tarry stool or stool containing blood or pus
• Has a temperature of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher
• Seems tired, irritable or in pain

Has signs or symptoms of dehydration, including dry mouth, crying without tears, little or no urination, unusual sleepiness, or unresponsiveness

Adult's Symptoms

• Can't keep liquids down for 24 hours
• Have diarrhea for more than two days
• Have blood in your vomit or bowel movements
• Have a temperature higher than 103 F (39.4 C)
• Have signs or symptoms of dehydration, including excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness on standing, or lightheadedness

• Protozoa

1. Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Both the parasite and the disease are commonly known as “Crypto.”

There are many species of Cryptosporidium that infect animals, some of which also infect humans. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very tolerant to chlorine disinfection.

While this parasite can be spread in several different ways, water (drinking water and recreational water) is the most common way to spread the parasite

2. Microsporidiosis

Microsporidiosis is infection caused by Microsporidia, which are parasitic fungi. Symptoms depend on the organs infected, but infections can cause diarrhea, other intestinal symptoms, or eye symptoms.

Microsporidiosis causes symptoms mainly in people with a weakened immune system, such as people with AIDS.

Symptoms vary but include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, and eye inflammation.

Doctors diagnose the infection by identifying microsporidia in a sample of the infected tissue or in stool, urine, or other body fluids.

Drugs can control but not eliminate the infection.

3. Cyclospora

Cyclospora infection causes watery, and sometimes explosive, diarrhea. The one-celled parasite that causes cyclospora infection can enter your body when you ingest contaminated food or water.

The dormant oocyst is excreted through human stool into the environment, where it can contaminate fruits, vegetables, or water.

Signs and symptoms - which usually begin within two to 11 days of eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water - may include:

• Frequent, watery diarrhea
• Bouts of diarrhea alternating with bouts of constipation
• Loss of appetite and weight

Treatment for cyclospora infection is a combination antibiotic known as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra). There aren't currently any effective alternative antibiotics for people unable to take trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

.Benefits of water:

Water is crucial for many bodily functions, such as lubricating the joints, delivering oxygen throughout the body, preventing kidney damage, and more.

.Fast facts on drinking water

• Adult humans are 60 percent water, and our blood is 90 percent water.
• There is no universally agreed quantity of water that must be consumed daily.
• Water is essential for the kidneys and other bodily functions.
• When dehydrated, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and wrinkling.
• Drinking water instead of soda can help with weight loss.

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we have no knowledge expect what You have taught us.

Your are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise

(Surat al-Baqarah: 32)

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