The ongoing Cape Town water crisis has been an eye-opener for many individuals around the country. Having little to no water poses a threat to your health as the spread of disease significantly increases. Here is a list of diseases you should be aware of during this period:
1. Gastroenteritis:
This is more commonly known as Gastro and it’s caused by either a bacterial or viral infection of the lining of the stomach or intestines. It is often transmitted through contaminated food or water.
The symptoms are extreme stomach cramps, runny tummy, and in some cases vomiting and dehydration.
Prevention Care: With the Cape Town water crisis, it is important to wash your hands with antibacterial soap and use a little water. Or, use antibacterial waterless hand sanitiser. Make sure you are drinking clean water bought by a reputable source and make sure that the surfaces are clean where food is prepared.
2. Typhoid:
With more than twenty cases reported in the Western Cape in 2017, it is important to look out for this disease. Typhoid is caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water.
The symptoms start around the 3rd day of infection and it starts with a fever. It then goes onto diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headaches, weakness, dehydration and sometimes even a rash.
Prevention Care: Make sure that you set aside a small amount of water to keep for washing your hands and cleaning surfaces. It is also good to use antibacterial products when cleaning hands and surfaces as an extra preventative method.
3. Salmonella:
This has to be the most common cause of food poisoning. It is caused by the salmonella bacterium. This can be from contaminated meats, contaminated water, pets and fertiliser.
The symptoms include stomach cramps, bloody stools, fever, diarrhoea, the chills, dehydration and headaches.
Prevention Care: Make sure your food is washed with clean water, cook your food thoroughly, and try to avoid eating raw meats and eggs. Keep fresh food refrigerated and make sure you have a clean surface to prepare food on.
All of the above illnesses have a common symptom of stomach cramps and diarrhoea. So if you start to feel sick, don’t take a chance. Rather Visit your GP and play it safe.
References:
getsavvi.co.za
www.health24.com
www.webmd.com
www.enca.com
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