H2O and Mexico

Should you drink the water?

"Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans." — Jacques Cousteau

If you've been to Mexico, you will find out that drinking the tap water is probably not the best idea if you plan on doing anything while you're there! So what exactly is in the water that can make you so sick? There are a few answers to this question.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
HPS has been found in the water in Mexico, and may be one of the leading causes of illness in Mexico's tap water. This virus is a deadly respiratory illness caused by hantaviruses- viruses found in rodent droppings, urine and saliva. Humans can get hantavirus by inhaling, drinking or eating the hantavirus particles or if bitten by a rodent.

Symptoms if exposed to hantavirus:
During the first week of being exposed to hantaviruses, one may experience flu like symptoms. After the first week, severe respiratory symptoms will occur, and intensive medical care is necessary.

For more on the hantavirus:
http://www.hantavirus.net/

http://health.yahoo.com/respiratory-overview/hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome-hps-topic-overview/healthwise--hw191133.html

Pollution
Dirty water is a problem worldwide, but the Gulf of Mexico (also know as "The Dead Zone") is one of the most polluted bodies of water in the world. Pesticides, fertilizers, nutrient pollution, oil and gasoline use and spills, mining, sediment run off, chemical and industrial processes, plastic, sewage, personal health care and house ware products, and air pollution are only a few contributors to water pollution throughout the gulf of Mexico and the rest of the world.

Symptoms if exposed to water pollution:
Symptoms vary, due to the type of pollution in the water, however the most common symptom is gastroenteritis.

See how the Gulf of Mexico compares with this graph (scroll to bottom):
http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/07-26/water-pollution-facts-article.htm

Harmful Algal Blooms
Harmful algal blooms, also known as the red tide, live in the Gulf of Mexico, killing many salt water species, severely harming humans and infecting the water.

Symptoms if exposed to algal blooms:
Symptoms range from gastroenteritis to liver damage and respiratory failure.

According to the University System of Maryland, "The term "harmful algal blooms" describes a diverse array of blooms of both microscopic and macroscopic marine algae which produce: toxic effects on humans and other organisms; physical impairment of fish and shellfish; nuisance conditions from odors and discoloration of waters or habitats." (http://aquaticpath.umd.edu/toxalg/)

Introduction Blog

Hi everyone!
I wanted to introduce myself, first and foremost, as I begin this blogging journey regarding health along the US/Mexico Border. While I am a journalism major at the U of A, I am interested in health and will continue my education beyond my four years here in Arizona. I plan on becoming a nurse, and hopefully, a nurse practitioner in my later years. Being able to educate myself and others about health issues along the border is exciting for me, because not only is it something I'm interested in, it is something I am excited to research and share with my blog readers.