readylifestyle.com

6 Worst Waterborne Diseases in the United States

The Worst Waterborne Diseases in the United States Worldwide, waterborne diseases consistently rank among the top killers each year. Here in the United States, the risk of contracting a waterborne illness is much lower, but it’s still a possibility. Keep in mind that this article is discussing the United States in its current condition, functioning electrical grid, water treatment plants, sewage systems, etc. In a grid down situation, everything discussed here will increase exponentially, which we will discuss in a future article. The following are the worst waterborne diseases that you’re likely to encounter in the United States.

readylifestyle.com

The Threats

Cryptosporidium (aka Crypto) A parasite that causes diarrhea and other intestinal problems. It is normally spread when a person drinks water contaminated with feces. Cryptosporidium is very resistant to chlorination, is difficult to filter out of water and can live for a long period of time outside of a host. In 1993, an outbreak occurred in Milwaukee leading to over 400,000 people becoming infected.

Giardia The most common intestinal parasite found in the world. In undeveloped countries, up to 25% of the population may be infected at any given time. In developed countries, around 5% of the population is thought to be infected with Giardia. It causes diarrhea, intestinal problems and has been linked to stunted growth in children. Like most other waterborne illnesses, it is spread by drinking from a water source contaminated by feces.

readylifestyle.com

Legionnaires’ Disease This disease affects around 50,000 people in the U.S. every year. It can be found in nearly 40% of lakes and rivers, hot water tanks, whirlpools, and groundwater. It is contracted by the inhalation of contaminated water, and leads to respiratory complications, fever, weakness and eventually kidney failure. Legionnaires’ disease can be mistaken for pneumonia since they have similar symptoms in the early stages.

Hepatitis A Hep A is found in any body of water that is contaminated with feces. It leads to fever, anorexia, and fatigue. You can tell if someone has Hep A because they will develop pale stool and dark urine. Luckily, Hep A has a vaccine and is treatable with modern medications.

Dysentery This affects close to 140 million people worldwide, leading to an estimated 600,000 deaths. In the U.S. the number of people infected annually is only around 30,000. Dysentery affects the lining of

readylifestyle.com the intestine and eventually leads to bloody diarrhea. Once again, this disease is spread by consuming water infected with contaminated feces.

Cholera Cholera is a bacteria that leads to severe diarrhea and vomiting, causing dehydration that can cause death in 1 to 5 days. Symptoms occur after between 12 hours and 5 days of drinking infected water. Modern medicine and sanitation have effectively eliminated Cholera in the U.S., but new outbreaks are possible due to visitors from outside countries.

Prevention In the U.S. we pretty much have clean water on demand. That, combined with modern sewage treatment plants, makes waterborne disease relatively rare compared to other parts of the world. This means that most Americans will only be in danger of contracting one of these diseases if they are drinking from untreated water sources or following an event such as the breakage of a sewage line. Untreated or possibly contaminated water should be boiled if possible before being consumed. Other options are filtration with something like a Big Berky or a Life Straw. Water treatment tablets are also available for relatively little money. By being smart about what water you drink, and ensuring that you properly disinfect or filter it, you can avoid the worst waterborne diseases that are found in the United States. Understanding the diseases you may face in a ​bug out​ situation or in the event of a ​flood​ can mean the difference between life and death. Head over to our other ​preparedness​ articles.

Contact Us! Web Site: ​http://readylifestyle.com Twitter: ​https://twitter.com/ReadyLifestyle Google Site: ​https://sites.google.com/view/readylifestyle/home Pinterest: ​https://www.pinterest.com/readylifestyle/ Google +: ​https://plus.google.com/+ReadyLifestyle Tumblr: ​https://readylifesytle.tumblr.com/ Related Information: Best Bug Out Bag List Best SHTF Vehicle Bug In or Bug Out

readylifestyle.com

How to Survive a Nuclear Attack Prepare for a Flood Survival Axe SHTF and Prepping Emergency Food Survival Gear Survival Guide Emergency Supplies Prepper Supplies Emergency Kit Survival Tools Doomsday Preppers Survival Backpack Recommended Links: https://goo.gl/Jt6UQ6 https://goo.gl/qfmwF8 https://goo.gl/eePPTo https://goo.gl/c6Le8u https://goo.gl/oUmtNK https://goo.gl/3ZxD2q https://goo.gl/JDyhTx https://goo.gl/9tCEQQ https://goo.gl/J87miM https://goo.gl/Q92oS1 https://goo.gl/P2sPff https://goo.gl/Wn74Z4 https://goo.gl/SzMnEh https://goo.gl/16SGw7 https://goo.gl/uu3gKu https://goo.gl/9X7GCD https://goo.gl/yXBzki https://goo.gl/c7WCZe https://goo.gl/E7SPx1 https://goo.gl/EmyYPa https://goo.gl/2dQ2ea https://goo.gl/sibm4p

readylifestyle.com

https://goo.gl/Mg1abG https://goo.gl/UY7MT4 https://goo.gl/rmGHyz https://goo.gl/aUBqdp https://goo.gl/gCzuiB https://goo.gl/sp39AB https://goo.gl/xxszRY https://goo.gl/9xFM49 https://goo.gl/hF1sQG https://goo.gl/V46fgd https://goo.gl/oW8883 https://goo.gl/5v8CB3 https://goo.gl/eEvPGC https://goo.gl/Lqt6CZ https://goo.gl/2iJcyG https://goo.gl/qxAP7V https://goo.gl/gGTir5 https://goo.gl/G8dN67 https://goo.gl/Rwj3RU https://goo.gl/41AW46 https://goo.gl/yPqp3c https://goo.gl/8easWw https://goo.gl/XG8Dwj https://goo.gl/86s5yN https://goo.gl/LTKTSv https://goo.gl/61w44c https://goo.gl/NqemZP https://goo.gl/DqT1ti https://goo.gl/6oB9wB https://goo.gl/Fn8Bf3 https://goo.gl/eAEQkX https://goo.gl/k4u9n1