Hospital Admissions For Waterborne Diseases Up 60% In England Since 2010 [View all]

Waterborne diseases such as dysentery and Weil’s disease have risen by 60% since 2010 in England, new figures reveal. Analysis of NHS hospital admissions by the Labour party has found that the number of people admitted to hospital with diseases transmitted via waterborne infection has increased from 2,085 in 2010-11 to 3,286 in 2022-23.

The analysis follows widespread anger after record sewage spills were revealed this week. Environment Agency data showed that raw sewage was discharged for more than 3.6m hours into rivers and seas last year – a 129% increase on the previous 12 months.

Increased raw sewage in rivers means there is a higher risk of infections, campaigners argue, as people are more likely to come into contact with the bacteria in human waste. Over the last year, for example, 122 people were diagnosed with leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), double the number in 2010. The disease, which can lead to liver damage and kidney failure, is spread through polluted water. Infected urine enters the mouth, eyes or a cut, usually during activities such as kayaking, outdoor swimming or fishing. Cases of typhoid, which is also spread through polluted water, rose from 445 to 603.

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The analysis comes as the Oxford and Cambridge boat race organisers issued new safety guidance for the race on Saturday, warning rowers not to enter the water and to cover any open wounds, after high levels of E coli bacteria were found on the River Thames course. Instead of the traditional celebration in which members of the winning team often jump into the river, the crews will be encouraged to wash themselves down at a dedicated cleansing station at the finish. Some rowers have reported becoming seriously unwell after dirty water has entered the blisters they get from holding the oars.

EDIT

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/29/hospital-admissions-for-waterborne-diseases-in-england-up-60-report-shows