How does poor sanitation lead to health problems ?
How does poor sanitation lead to health problems ?
Introduction
Illnesses caused by germs and worms in feces are a constant source of discomfort for millions of people. These illnesses can cause many years of sickness and can lead to other health problems such as dehydration, anemia, and malnutrition. Severe sanitation-related illnesses like cholera can spread rapidly, bringing sudden death to many people.
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Signs of illness |
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How germs spread disease
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Sometimes it is easier to remember the ways germs travel by showing that they are all words beginning with the letter "F": fingers, flies, fields, foods, and fluids (water). |
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How germs spread |
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What could have prevented the family's illness?The spread of illness could have been prevented:
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Important: washing hands |
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Ways to prevent spread of germs and worms |
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Homestead hygeine |
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Bladder and kidney infections
Causes of bladder infections
Germs can enter the urinary opening and cause infection when a woman:
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A girl or woman of any age - even a small baby - can get an infection of her urine system. |
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Signs and treatmentSigns of bladder or urinary tract infection include:
If you have signs of a bladder infection, start drinking plenty of water to help flush out germs. If a bladder infection goes untreated, it can worsen and infect your kidneys. If the signs last more than 2 days, you may need medicines.
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Woman drinking water |
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Signs of kidney infection include:
Kidney infections are more serious than bladder infections because the kidney can get so sick that it stops working. While plenty of water, herbal remedies, or sulfa drugs usually cure a urinary tract infection, a kidney infection often needs more treatment. If you have the signs of a kidney infection, see a health worker right away.
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Woman feeling unwell |
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Diarrhea and dehydration
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Signs of dehydration |
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Note for the health worker
To stop dehydration
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Rehydration drink |
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WARNING: If dehydration gets worse or other danger signs appear, get medical help. |
Information Source Links
- Sanitation and Cleanliness for a Healthy Environment - The Hesperian Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (2005). The Hesperian Foundation