With modern plumbing systems, we rarely have to worry about whether the water in our home is clean or full of contaminants. But the truth is, exposure to raw sewage is more common than you may think – and can lead to serious diseases.
Whether you have an overflowing toilet or broken sewer main pipe, it’s important to clean up the sewage quickly to limit property damage and, more importantly, reduce the chance of health issues.
Here are the three types of organisms found in raw sewage that can cause health issues.
Bacteria in raw sewage
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can live in virtually any environment. Some bacteria can be harmless or potentially helpful to humans. On the other hand, a small percentage of bacteria can cause disease.
Many harmful bacteria thrive in wastewater and sewage, including:
- E. coli
- Leptospira
- Campylobacter
- Salmonella
- Shigella
Viruses in raw sewage
Viruses are also are simple, microscopic organisms that are even smaller than bacteria. They need a host to survive and attach themselves to the other cells. Unlike bacteria, the majority of viruses are harmful and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Common viruses found in sewage are:
- Rotavirus
- Norwalk virus
- Hepatitis A
- Poliomyelitis
- Adenovirus
Parasites in raw sewage
Parasites are more complex organisms and are usually larger than bacteria. Some parasites can reproduce within a host without many complications while others can cause serious illnesses.
A few of the parasites found in sewage include:
- Giardiasis
- Cryptosporidiosis
Commons symptoms of raw sewage exposure
While different bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause different reactions within the human body, there are a few common symptoms you can look out for. If you have been exposed to raw sewage and experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Fever
- Chills
- Cramping
Sewage restoration service
Raw sewage in your home is not an issue to ignore. Proper procedures must be followed to stop the source of the leak, clean up the wastewater, and sanitize the area. For professional sewage cleanup, call Hawaii Restoration Services 24/7 at (808) 468-7978.