Other infectious diseases result from pathogens contaminating the shallow warm waters that exist during drought conditions.
Some of the diseases that may increase in frequency during water shortages include:
Other drought-related factors affect air quality, including the presence of airborne toxins originating from blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). These toxins can become airborne and have been associated with lung irritation, which may lead to adverse health effects in certain high-risk populations.
If you or your family have any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor for an assessment sooner rather than later.