by Nancy Pietroski
Published in the Summer 2008 Issue of Wilderness Medicine Magazine published by the Wilderness Medical Society
When diagnosing an illness that was contracted from water, ascertaining
a source of water exposure (play: backcountry traveling, kayaking,
swimming, fishing, water-skiing; or work: fishing for a living,
logging, farming, military) is an essential part of the history.
Knowing the length of symptoms is vital as well, as the incubation
period for diseases caused by waterborne pathogens varies. You may be
able to enjoy your fun in the sun, but be on the run (to the bathroom)
days or weeks later.