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What Diseases Can You Get From Sewage Exposure?

Last updated October 19, 2026

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The short answer

Common Bacterial Infections from Sewage

Sewage contains harmful bacteria that can cause serious infections if they enter your body. E. Coli and Salmonella are two common types found in contaminated water. These bacteria often lead to severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In rare cases, they can cause more widespread illness, especially in young children or older adults.

Exposure typically happens through accidental ingestion or contact with broken skin. Even a small amount of contaminated water can be enough to cause an infection. It is important to avoid touching your face after handling anything contaminated. If you develop symptoms, a doctor can provide appropriate treatment.

Viral Illnesses and Parasitic Infections

Viruses like hepatitis A and norovirus are also present in sewage. Hepatitis A affects your liver and can cause jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Norovirus is highly contagious and leads to sudden onset vomiting and diarrhea. These viruses spread easily, so careful sanitation is crucial after any sewage incident.

Parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium are another concern. These microscopic organisms can cause prolonged digestive issues, including watery diarrhea and stomach pain. They are resistant to some common disinfectants, making professional cleanup important. Always assume sewage water is unsafe and avoid direct contact.

How Exposure Typically Occurs

Direct contact with contaminated water is the most common way diseases spread. This happens during cleaning efforts, walking through flooded areas, or children playing in affected spaces. Sewage can splash into your eyes, nose, or mouth, or enter through a small cut on your skin. Even inhaling airborne droplets or dust containing dried sewage particles can pose a risk.

Indirect contact is also possible. Touching a surface that was contaminated and then touching your face can transfer pathogens. Contaminated water can seep into porous materials like drywall and carpet, creating a lasting hazard. This is why proper protective gear and thorough cleaning are necessary for safety.

  • Accidental ingestion of contaminated water.
  • Contact through cuts, scrapes, or open wounds.
  • Inhalation of aerosols or dust from dried sewage.
  • Touching contaminated surfaces and then your face.
  • Secondary contamination from improperly cleaned items.
  • Children or pets playing in affected areas.

Immediate Steps After Sewage Contact

If you have contact with sewage, act quickly to minimize health risks. First, leave the contaminated area. Remove any wet clothing and shower thoroughly with soap and warm water. Pay special attention to washing your hands and under your fingernails. If sewage got into your eyes, rinse them gently with clean water for several minutes.

Disinfect any minor cuts or scrapes that were exposed. Cover them with a clean, dry bandage. Wash the clothes you were wearing separately from other laundry, using hot water and detergent. Monitor your health closely for the next several days for any signs of illness.

When to Seek Professional Cleanup

For any significant sewage backup or flooding, contacting local water damage pros is the safest choice. They have the training and equipment to handle hazardous waste safely. They follow strict protocols for extraction, disinfection, and drying to remove the contamination and prevent mold growth. This protects your home's structure and your family's health.

The pros use tools like moisture mapping to find hidden dampness. They ensure the area is completely dry and sanitized, which is a complex task for a homeowner to do correctly. In many climates, moisture left behind can lead to rapid mold growth.

  • Sewage contains unseen pathogens and chemicals.
  • Proper disposal of contaminated materials is regulated.
  • Industrial-grade antimicrobials are needed for disinfection.
  • Special air scrubbers remove airborne contaminants.
  • Structural drying prevents secondary water damage.
  • They ensure the job meets health and safety standards.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the first symptoms of sewage-related illness?

Early symptoms often include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. You might also experience fever, cramping, or general fatigue. Skin rashes or eye irritation can occur from direct contact. Symptoms may appear within hours or take a few days to develop.

Can I clean a small sewage spill myself?

A very small, contained spill might be manageable with extreme caution. You must wear waterproof gloves, goggles, and a mask. Use a bleach solution for disinfection. However, if there's any doubt about the extent, it's safer to call local water damage pros for proper sanitation.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewage cleanup?

Coverage depends on the cause of the backup and your specific policy. Sudden issues like a pipe burst may be covered, while neglect often is not. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. You should review your policy and document the damage thoroughly.

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