Have you been neglecting your sewer lines and dirty water is now backing up into your bathtub? You’re not alone. Research has shown that the existing wastewater infrastructure in the U.S. is deteriorating and requires repair or replacement to avoid causing health problems.

Overlooking your sewer lines is more common than you think, but it can often have disastrous consequences on your home and family. Here are some diseases or illnesses resulting from sewage exposure.

Viruses

If you’re exposed to raw sewage in any way, it can instantly affect your body and spread bacteria to other people around you. Viruses can lead to gastroenteritis which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, cramps and extreme vomiting.

Poliomyelitis is another type of virus that can even cause temporary or permanent paralysis. It can show in the form of fever, nausea, sore throat, constipation, vomiting and abdominal pain.

With a poorly maintained sewage disposal system, the risk of liver disease that’s caused by Hepatitis A can increase. It can exhibit in the form of abdominal pain, fatigue, jaundice, nausea, diarrhea, fever, or a loss of appetite. This disease occurs more commonly in adults compared to children.

Bacteria

A whole host of bacterial infections can take effect if you don’t address any sewage exposure in your area. They can turn bloodborne, which can cause life-threatening illnesses, including campylobacteriosis. This disease shows in the form of fever, bloody stool, vomiting and cramping.

You might have heard of E. coli which is another type of bacterial infection that breeds in the presence of sewage. It can show in the form of vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, nausea and similar problems. E. coli can also grow into a hemolytic uremic syndrome that can ultimately lead to kidney failure or even death.

Parasites

Sewage exposure can also develop waterborne parasites that can cause diseases like Giardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidiosis is a widespread disease in the U.S. that’s sheltered by an outer shell. As a result, chlorine disinfection is unable to treat it. Any contact with sewage can put you at risk of developing this illness.

You may not always show symptoms of it, but sometimes it can show through watery or loose stool, upset stomach, slight fever or stomach cramps. Giardia intestinalis can also survive outside your body for more extended periods and has the same symptoms as Cryptosporidium, which is why immediately addressing any exposure to sewage water will help you more than you think.

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