Question

Human excreta left untreated is a health hazard? Explain [3 MARKS]

Answer 1

Faecal matter contains 30% bacteria, 10-20-% inorganic bacteria, undigested proteins, fats and bilirubins got by the breakdown of RBCs. Though most of the intestinal bacteria are harmless when in the gut but once out of the body, when these stools are subjected to environmental bacteria who use them as food and thrive. Needless to say the diseases like

• hand, foot and mouth disease.
• hepatitis A.
• meningitis (viral)
• rotavirus infection.
• Salmonella infection.

are all spread by faecal matter. So definitely untreated Faecal matter is a health hazard.