The Occurrence of Waterborne Diseases in Drinking Water in Nakaloke Sub-County, Mbale District, Uganda

Waterborne diseases are the most prevalent infectious diseases in developing countries especially in the rural areas. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of waterborne diseases in relation to the microbial water quality in Nakaloke sub county Mbale district eastern Uganda. Patient records were collected from Nakaloke health Centre III cover a period of five years (2010-2014). The results showed general distribution of selected waterborne diseases in Nakaloke Sub County.3045 waterborne cases were reviewed and 1926 cases were found in the selected villages. Diarrhoea is the most common waterborne illness among the population in all villages accounting for 837 cases followed by skin infection with 453, gastroenteritis 258 and dysentery 213, typhoid 148 and cholera 17 respectively. Forty five water samples were collected from three protected springs well for the village of Nakaloke, Kireka and Nandala. The samples were monitored for microbial contamination. Children of age group 0-5 years were found more susceptible to all selected waterborne diseases. Women are more prone to waterborne diseases compared to men, Nakaloke village accounted for the highest incidence than other villages of the study.