microorganisms in drinking water

Wondering what microorganisms (Bacteria & Viruses) can be found in some sources of drinking water, and what they can do to your health? Here is a list of some of them.

MICROORGANISMS	POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS
BACTERIA
Campylobacter	Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), cramping, abdominal pain, and fever
Escherichia coli	Bloody or non-bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps; little or no fever Can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and kidney failure in young children or the elderly
Salmonella	Diarrhea, typhoid fever, stomach cramps Infection can spread from intestines to blood and other body sites, causing serious illness
Shigella	Watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, upset stomach Vomiting and stomach cramping may also occur
VIRUSES
Enterovirus	Usually causes mild upper respiratory, “flu-like” symptoms with fever and muscle pains, or a rash Meningitis is less common, and illnesses that affect the heart and brain may occur, but are very rare
Hepatitis A	Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), dark urine, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, stomach ache Most infected adults will show symptoms while children often do not have symptoms (but could still pass the virus to others)
Norovirus (Norwalk)	Upset stomach, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea Headache and low-grade fever may also occur
Rotavirus	Vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever
PROTOZOA
Cryptosporidium	Diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, upset stomach, and fever Usually causes mild illness, but can be serious or fatal for people with weakened immune systems
Giardia	Diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps Usually causes mild illness, but can be serious or fatal for people with weakened immune systems