Blog: So you think parasitic diseases are a third-world problem?

 Blog: So you think parasitic diseases are a third-world problem?  9/11/11

I've gathered some recent headlines about parasitic incidences and outbreaks right here in the very developed U.S. Parasitic diseases, especially the tropical types, are typically more common in developing countries. This is especially true in children where their general health and nutrition is not optimal. But, parasites are alive and well anywhere there are animal (human and other) hosts. So read up. Comment on the following questions.

·         What are the underlying causes and concerns in these outbreaks?

o   The cause for concern amid these outbreaks is the fact that they are commonplace and that they can potentially infect hundreds and maybe millions of people worldwide due to the country’s water systems being so outdated that they cannot keep out every protozoan and bacteria especially when they are over-stressed.

·         What can happen when standard procedures are not followed or fail (ex., normal chlorination of water)?

o   Consequentially, potentially fatal disease causing organisms are introduced into the water supply. Microbial growth from different sources also can become opportunistic to humans as a potential pathogen.

·         Should you be worried in your everyday life?

o   We should be more vigilant and conscientious of what is in our water supply.

o   We should also protect ourselves by being mindful of cleanliness and sanitation in the areas that we use for recreation and food and water supplies. We could also contribute to prevention by monitoring our septic tanks, avoiding  defecation and urination by public sites that contain water such as streams, lakes, drains, pools, etc.

o   We should be aware of any terrorists attacks that cause potential and fatal  release of intentional chemicals into our water supply as well as a disruption in treatment in water supplies.