Viruses in Water

Waterborne viruses kill millions of people a year who consume tainted water, and the World Health Organisation reports that at least two billion people drink polluted water. Awareness of waterborne viruses and other waterborne pathogens will become more important as the global population grows and clean drinking water gets scarcer.

What causes viruses to enter the water?

Viruses enter the water when it is polluted by an untreated person or animal’s urine or waste. Floods, contaminated rainwater runoff, and a malfunctioning drainage system all contribute to the risk. Well water, as well as water from unsterilized sources including lakes and waterways, is particularly susceptible to pollution. In reality, all untreated water bodies are vulnerable to viral infection, and many developed countries are plagued by viral outbreaks due to a shortage of safe drinking water.

Such a public water supply, though, is not without danger. Municipal disinfection processes can fail in the event of a flood or natural disaster, leaving your water supply vulnerable to viruses and other pathogens. Your water provider will issue a boil water warning if the disinfection process fails since they cannot ensure the quality of the water source.

How do you screen water for viruses?

Sending a water sample to a lab is the most reliable way to search for viruses in water. The water is condensed in the lab into a lower amount. The virus is then identified using nucleic acid extraction or molecular detection methods including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. If you want your water checked for viruses, you can contact a licenced laboratory in your city.

While there are no home water test kits that can detect viruses at the moment, a home coliform bacteria test can inform you whether your water contains disease-causing species and warn you if further testing is required. Coliform bacteria can be found in both human and animal faeces. Though they seldom cause disease, their appearance indicates the presence of other pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Furthermore, public water suppliers monitor their water on a daily basis; but, if you have a well, you are responsible for testing for pollutants and ensuring a clean water source. Water monitoring is particularly important during heavy rain and floods because wells are especially susceptible to pollution. Regardless of the outcome of the experiments, every unregulated water supply is vulnerable to viral infection, so it is, therefore, a safe idea to take care of (such as building a water treatment system) to shield your home and family from disease.

The most dangerous waterborne viruses in the world are hepatitis, norovirus, and rotavirus. They are transmitted by drinking, bathing, cleaning, or consuming food that has come into contact with polluted water.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is most common in infants and young children and causes vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and may lead to dehydration. Adults can also get rotavirus but usually have milder symptoms. There are currently two Rotavirus vaccines licensed for infants, but there is no vaccine for older children or adults. Hand washing, good hygiene, and avoiding potentially contaminated food and water aid in preventing the spread of Rotavirus.

Hepatitis

There are five forms of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E), all of which cause liver inflammation. Hepatitis A and E, on the other hand, are the only two viruses that can transmit by polluted water. Fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, and jaundice are all symptoms of Hepatitis A and E. The good news is that the majority of patients heal completely and experience no long-term consequences, but good sanitation, handwashing, and not drinking tap water while travelling are all good precautions to take. Hepatitis A vaccine is now available for both children and adults.

Norovirus

Norovirus is a virus that spreads quickly and efficiently because only a few virus particles are needed to make a person sick. Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain are all common symptoms. Norovirus, like all waterborne viruses, is difficult to control since it can spread outside of drinking water. You can get sick if food is cultivated or harvested with polluted water. Oysters, for example, can be harvested, and polluted water can be used to irrigate fruits and vegetables. To stop Norovirus, wash your hands often, clean fruits and vegetables before eating them, thoroughly cook shellfish, and avoid consuming dirty water.

Issues related to clean water and sanitation is extremely important. Mizutech has been in the forefront for providing millions of people with access to clean water. to know more visit Mizutech.