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What Diseases Can You Get From Sewage Exposure?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Common Illnesses from Raw Sewage

Raw sewage carries bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can make you sick. The most common problems are stomach infections, which cause diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps. Pathogens like E. Coli, salmonella, and shigella are frequently found in sewage water.

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that can spread through sewage-contaminated food or water. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and jaundice. Parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium also thrive in sewage and cause prolonged digestive issues. These illnesses can hit days after exposure, so watch your health closely.

  • E. Coli infection
  • Salmonella
  • Hepatitis A
  • Giardia
  • Cryptosporidium
  • Shigella

Skin and Respiratory Risks

Contact with sewage can irritate your skin, leading to rashes, itching, or infections. Bacteria like staphylococcus and streptococcus enter through cuts or scrapes. Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, often develop when skin stays wet and dirty.

Inhaling droplets from contaminated water can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing or wheezing. Mold and bacteria in sewage release spores and toxins that affect your lungs, especially if you have asthma or allergies. If breathing becomes hard or you develop a fever, seek medical care right away.

Who Faces the Highest Risk

Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to sewage-related diseases. Chronic conditions like diabetes or liver disease also raise your risk. Even healthy people can get sick, but the severity often depends on the amount of exposure.

The longer you stay in contact with sewage or the more contaminated the water, the higher your chance of infection. Contaminated floodwater from rivers or storms may contain additional chemicals and animal waste. If you belong to a high-risk group, avoid cleanup entirely and let the pros handle it.

Immediate Steps After Exposure

Act quickly to reduce your risk. Wash any skin that touched sewage with soap and clean water, and remove contaminated clothing. Disinfect cuts or wounds with antiseptic. Do not eat, drink, or smoke until your hands are thoroughly cleaned.

If sewage entered your mouth or eyes, rinse with clean water and see a doctor. Monitor yourself for symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or fever for several days. Keep children and pets away from affected areas. Your health comes first, so do not hesitate to get medical help.

Why Professional Cleanup Matters

Sewage cleanup involves more than mopping up water. Contaminated materials like drywall, carpet, and insulation need removal, and surfaces must be disinfected properly. The pros use protective gear and specialized equipment to handle biohazards safely.

Attempting cleanup yourself can spread pathogens and increase your exposure. Local water damage pros follow safety protocols to remove sewage and dry the area thoroughly. If you live in Chapel Hill, keep your shutoff valve location written down for emergencies. This reduces the chance of a sewage backup spreading further.

  • Wear rubber boots and gloves
  • Use a disinfectant made for biohazards
  • Remove porous materials
  • Dry the area within days
  • Ventilate the space
  • Never mix cleaning chemicals

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if you develop diarrhea that lasts more than a day, bloody stools, high fever, or signs of dehydration. Skin infections that spread or worsen also need medical attention. Tell the doctor about your sewage exposure so they can test for specific pathogens.

Hepatitis A and some bacterial infections have treatments if caught early. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe. If you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant, contact a doctor even without symptoms. Your health is more important than any cleanup effort.

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Frequently asked questions

Can sewage exposure make you sick weeks later?

Yes, some infections have longer incubation periods. Hepatitis A can take two to six weeks to show symptoms. Parasites like giardia may cause digestive issues a week or more after exposure. If you feel unwell, mention your sewage contact to a doctor.

Is it safe to clean up sewage yourself?

No, cleaning sewage yourself is risky because you can easily inhale or touch pathogens. The pros have proper equipment and training to handle biohazards. Even small spills can contaminate your home. Let the pros do the work to protect your health.

What should a homeowner do if sewage backs up in the basement?

Stay out of the area and avoid touching the water. Turn off electricity if safe to do so, and shut off the water supply if you can. Open windows for ventilation. Contact the pros to handle cleanup and disinfection.

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