Addis Ababa University

Water-Associated Diseases (WaSH 6311), home-take assignment

Name- Meseret Ergetu

Attempt the questions below

1. Address the following water-associated diseases in terms of the stated epidemiological features

Disease Causative Global Country- Transmission Risk- symptom Outbreaks Prevention Reference
agent burden wide factors and Control papers
Burden

Cholera Vibrio Significant in Reported in Fecal-oral route, WHO

Poor
cholerae developing outbreaks contaminated Frequent Guidelines
sanitation, Severe Safe water,
countries water & food outbreaks in for Drinking-
unsafe diarrhea, sanitation,
endemic Water
drinking dehydration vaccination
areas Quality, 4th
water
Edition
Hepatitis Worldwide Outbreaks WHO
presence, Common in Poor reported in Vaccination, Guidelines
Fecal-oral route, Jaundice,
particularly areas with sanitation, regions with hygiene, clean for Drinking-
HAV & HEV contaminated fatigue,
in low- inadequate lack of water drinking Water
water nausea
income sanitation hygiene contaminatio water Quality, 4th
regions n Edition
Cryptosporidios Reported Immunoc
Documented
is High burden, cases linked ompromis Diarrhea, Water
Cryptospori Waterborne, outbreaks in
especially in to ed stomach treatment, >>
dium spp. fecal-oral various
children contaminat individual cramps filtration
settings
ed water s at risk
Zika Global
Mosquito-borne Presence Fever, rash, Mosquito
concern, Sporadic Outbreaks in
(Aedes spp.), of Aedes joint pain, control,
Zika virus especially in cases tropical >>
sexual mosquitoe birth preventive
tropical reported regions
transmission s defects measures
areas
M 1
 High global
Dengue fever burden, Urbanizati High fever, Seasonal >>
Vector
especially in Seasonal Mosquito-borne on, severe outbreaks in
Dengue virus control,
tropical outbreaks (Aedes spp.) stagnant headache, endemic
sanitation
areas water rash regions
Legionellosis WHO
Moderate,
Warm Guidelines for
linked to Reported in Inhalation of Pneumonia- Outbreaks in Water system
Legionella water Drinking-
man-made health contaminated like healthcare maintenance,
spp. systems, Water
water facilities aerosols symptoms facilities disinfection
biofilms Quality, 4th
systems
Edition
Leptospirosis WHO
Fever,
Rodent Guidelines
High burden Reported in Contact with Flooding, muscle Outbreaks
Leptospira control, for Drinking-
in tropical flood-prone contaminated poor aches, after heavy
spp. protective Water
regions areas water/soil sanitation kidney rainfall
gear Quality, 4th
damage
Edition
Schistosomiasis WHO
Snail-
Endemic in Cases in Guidelines
Contact with infested Skin rash, Snail control,
Schistosoma Africa, Asia, areas with Endemic in for Drinking-
infected waters, fever, liver improved
spp. South snail some regions Water
freshwater poor disease sanitation
America vectors Quality, 4th
sanitation
Edition

M 2
 2. The table below lists few of the wide variety of microbiological agents that may be transmitted through drinking water. Fill in the blank
columns appropriately by citing your source.

Pathogen Health significance Persistence in Resistance to Infectivity Important Reference

(low/moderate/high) water supplies chlorine animal source papers

Yersinia Moderate Can multiple Low Moderate Yes WHO Guidelines

enterocolitica for Drinking-
Water Quality, 4th
Edition
Pseudomonas Low Can multiple unkown Low No WHO Guidelines
aeruginosa for Drinking-
Water Quality, 4th
Edition
Noroviruses High Long Moderate High Potentail WHO Guidelines
for Drinking-
Water Quality, 4th
Edition
Rotavirus High Long Moderate High No >>

Naegleria fowleri High May multiple Low Moderate No >>

Giardia Lamblia High Moderate High High Yes >>

Toxoplasma Moderate Long High High Yes >>

gondii

Dracunculus High Moderate Moderate High No >>

medinensis

M 3
 3. Discuss how the implementation of integrated water resources development and management be successful for better health in urban
and rural Ethiopia.

Integrated Water Resources Development and Management (IWRM) is a crucial approach to ensuring sustainable water supply and
sanitation for better health in both urban and rural Ethiopia. The implementation of IWRM in Ethiopia can be successful through the
following measures:
1. Water Reclamation and Reuse: Implementing water reclamation and reuse as part of IWRM can enhance water availability, reduce stress on
freshwater sources, and improve sanitation, thereby reducing waterborne diseases.
2. Improved Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure: Ensuring access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation reduces waterborne
diseases, particularly in rural areas where coverage remains low.
3. Catchment Protection and Pollution Control: Protecting water sources from contamination by regulating industrial waste disposal, agricultural
runoff, and household waste management will ensure safer water supplies.
4. Capacity Building and Community Involvement: Educating communities on water hygiene practices and involving them in decision-making
ensures long-term sustainability.
5. Policy and Institutional Strengthening: Effective governance through strong water policies, enforcement of regulations, and proper coordination
between agencies can enhance IWRM implementation.
6. Water Resource Conservation and Climate Resilience: Implementing water conservation techniques, reforestation, and sustainable agricultural
practices can help maintain water availability amid climate change challenges.
7. Technology and Innovation in Water Management: Investing in efficient water purification, distribution, and wastewater recycling technologies
can improve urban and rural water supply systems.

By adopting these strategies, Ethiopia can achieve improved public health outcomes by reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases and
ensuring sustainable water resources management.

M 4
 4. Water reclamation and reuse has long been one of the integrated water resources development and management that needs to be
accompanied by sound engineering controls and appropriate oversight for protecting public health. Discuss how to balance this
approach in favor of public health protection.

Water reclamation and reuse have long been essential components of Integrated Water Resources Development and
Management. However, ensuring public health protection requires sound engineering controls and appropriate oversight. The
following measures can help balance this approach effectively:
1. Advanced Treatment Technologies: Implementing multi-barrier treatment processes, such as membrane filtration, UV disinfection, and
advanced oxidation, ensures the removal of pathogens and contaminants.
2. Regulatory Compliance and Monitoring: Establishing stringent regulatory frameworks, continuous monitoring of reclaimed water
quality, and strict enforcement of safety standards can help mitigate risks.
3. Risk Assessment and Hazard Management: Applying quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and hazard analysis critical control
points (HACCP) principles ensures proactive identification and mitigation of risks.
4. Application-Specific Water Standards: Differentiating reclaimed water treatment levels based on its intended use, such as potable
reuse, agricultural irrigation, or industrial purposes, ensures appropriate safety measures.
5. Infrastructure and Distribution Safety: Ensuring safe conveyance systems, cross-connection control, and effective storage solutions
prevents contamination of reclaimed water.
6. Community Engagement and Public Awareness: Educating the public on the benefits and safety of reclaimed water fosters community
acceptance and enhances public trust in water reuse initiatives.
7. Sustainable Practices and Climate Resilience: Integrating water reuse strategies with sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting
and aquifer recharge, contributes to long-term water security and public health protection.
By implementing these measures, water reclamation and reuse can be safely managed while ensuring that public health remains a top
priority.

M 5