You already knew that a poorly maintained sewage system would not allow safe sewage disposal. But did you know this improper disposal of sewage and toilet hygiene can spread deadly disease-causing germs? The most common ways you can be exposed to raw sewage today include backed-up sinks and tubs, overflowing toilets, backed-up floor drains and overflowing septic tanks.
At Pro Serve Plumbing, we care about your wellness and your loved ones. Sewage or sewage-contaminated water that can cause some of these deadly health conditions:
Hepatitis A
According to studies, frequent exposure to raw sewage was a significant risk factor for the HAV infection. This is a liver disease that’s caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A occur around the world each year, according to the WHO.
This profoundly infectious type of Hepatitis can spread through contaminated food or water.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A include fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and fever. As compared to children, adults tend to exhibit symptoms of Hepatitis.
Giardiasis
Being one of the common waterborne diseases in the United States, Giardia infection is caused by a microscopic parasite, Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia). This is found worldwide, especially in areas with poor sanitation and sewage exposure. The outer shell of the parasite allows it to survive outside the body for long periods. Symptoms include stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach ad weight loss. These symptoms begin seven to ten days after infection. Some people have no symptoms at all.
Typhoid Fever
According to the CDC, typhoid fever affects 5,700 people in the United States each year. This disease is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, which lives only in the bloodstream and intestinal tract of humans. It’s spread through sewage contamination of food or water and person-to-person contact.
Symptoms include weakness, stomach pains, high fever (104ºF), headache, loss of appetite, and some patients experience rashes. Patients must continue to take antibiotics prescribed by their doctors. Those suffering from typhoid fever must not prepare food or serve it to others.
Methemoglobinemia
This is a blood disorder in which too little oxygen is delivered to your cells. It can mostly occur in infants during the first few months of life due to the ingestion of well water high in nitrates. Infants who breast-feed can get poisoned if their mothers drink water high in nitrates.
According to PEHSU, nitrate-contaminated water can also be due to leaky sewage pipes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, headache, nausea, fatigue, and loss of consciousness. As a result, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established a maximum contaminant level for nitrate in drinking water of 10 milligrams per liter.
If the sewer line in your home is clogged and you’re looking for reliable and affordable residential plumbing services in Fort Worth, get in touch with Pro Serve Plumbing today! Based in Aledo, TX, we’re a professional plumbing company with a team of licensed and insured professionals that can identify what’s causing a clog and provide timely repairs. Call us at +1-817-244-0614 for more details.
