Waterborne illness, like foodborne illness, involves water serving as a host for bacterial or parasitic organisms. Various food poisoning agents can live in water and be transferred when an individual drinks contaminated water or swims in a contaminated body of water. These contaminants can include bacterial organisms such as Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Vibrio vulnificus, and Shigella. Parasitic organisms which can sicken victims through contact with contaminated water include Giardia and Cryptosporidium parvum, a protozoan which can cause diarrhea and coughing. Additionally, viral Hepatitis A can be a waterborne contaminant.
On occasion, if chlorine or other water cleansing agent levels are not high enough, cities or municipalities will issue a boil water order in order to help stave off potential illnesses. A majority of these waterborne contaminants will cause severe diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration and other medical complications necessitating physician intervention.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
