Illness, with particular focus on schistosomiasis, associated with recreational use of water by canoeists in the Msunduzi, Mngeni rivers in KwaZulu-Natal : issues and associated implications for other water users.
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Date
2006
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Abstract
Water-related disease is a problem faced by many communities in the Mngeru and
Msunduzi River valleys, both those living in a rural setting, and those within thedty
bounds. Treatment and management of water-related diseases such as SchistosorrUasis
and Hepatitis are, however, overshadowed by the priority management of more serious
illnesses such as HIV/ AIDS, and are therefore at risk of spreading unchecked. These
diseases, while not often fatal, have a high morbidity and place unnecessary burden on
communities and individuals that could otherwise make a positive contribution to the
social and economic structure of the country. The impacts of water-related disease are felt
by all water-users, including those recreational users such as fishermen, swimmers and
canoeists.
Following a discussion of the issues and impacts of water-related disease at both a global
and local scale, the research formulated a survey of the impact of water-related disease on
canoeists training and racing on the Mngeni and Msunduzi Rivers as a starting point in
determining the impacts on all communities using the resource. The methods employed
were twofold, a Schistosoma haematobium infection- survey was conducted using urine
samples; and a questionnaire-type survey of participants in the 2006 Dusi Canoe
Marathon was conducted.
The results of the Schistosomiasis survey revealed that 4.07% (20/491) of the respondents
were positive in this survey. Analysis of the questionnaire filled in by all participants
further revealed that 73% of respondents tested positive for Schistosomiasis infection at
some point in their canoeing career.
The post Dusi Marathon questionnaire survey was answered by 941 (54 %) participants. A
total of 588 (63 %) reported experiencing illness as a result of taking part in the 2006 event.
A further 362 individuals reported having experienced water-related illness on previous
Dusi Marathons, indicating that 77% of the respondents have been ill on the Dusi in this
and previous years' events. In addition, water quality samples were taken during the race
and were shown to be significantly higher than the guidelines for safe recreational use of water resources. The results also showed a radical overnight change in the E.coli levels
following a heavy rain event on the evening before the start of the race.
The research revealed that there is a serious problem of water contamination and
resultant spread of disease among canoeists using the rivers for recreational and
professional sport. Contamination resulting from failure of sewage processing facilities
during high rainfall events and industrial discharge into the river system results in
excessive and unacceptable levels of E.coli and other water-related pathogens that are a
severe health risk not only to canoeists but to all communities utilising this water
resource.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.
Keywords
Water--Pollution--KwaZulu-Natal--Mngeni River., Water--Pollution--KwaZulu-Natal--Msunduzi River., Rivers--Recreational use--KwaZulu-Natal., Rivers--Environmental aspects--KwaZulu-Natal., Canoeists--KwaZulu-Natal--Health and hygiene., Schistosomiasis--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Environmental science.