What diseases can you get from swimming in a river?

Swimming in rivers can expose you to various diseases and infections.

Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria Leptospira. This is found in water contaminated with urine from infected animals. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and in severe cases liver or kidney problems. E. coli infections are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli, often from fecal contamination. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes severe stomach cramps and vomiting.

The hepatitis A virus can be transmitted in water contaminated with fecal matter. Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and jaundice. Enteroviruses can cause a variety of illnesses, ranging from mild respiratory infections to more serious conditions such as meningitis. They spread easily in water contaminated with fecal matter.

Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms (schistosomes) that live in freshwater. The larvae of these worms can penetrate the skin and cause symptoms such as itching, fever, chills, and muscle pain. Giardiasis is caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, which can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. The parasite is spread through fecally contaminated water.

Blue-green algae in water can produce toxins that cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and even serious liver and nerve damage.

Source: https://www.epa.gov/habs

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/about/index.html

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-02 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024