What Diseases Can You Get From Sewage Exposure?
Last updated October 26, 2026
The short answer
Common Illnesses from Sewage
Sewage carries pathogens that thrive in human waste. The most frequent result of exposure is gastroenteritis, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Norovirus, E. Coli, and Salmonella are typical culprits. Symptoms usually appear within a day or two and can last several days, especially in children or older adults.
Hepatitis A is another concern. This liver infection spreads through contact with contaminated material. Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, and nausea. Vaccination helps, but you should still avoid direct contact. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, can enter through cuts or mucous membranes and may cause fever, headache, and muscle pain. Severe cases affect the kidneys or liver.
- Gastroenteritis from norovirus or E. Coli
- Hepatitis A affecting the liver
- Leptospirosis from bacterial infection
- Tetanus if you have open wounds
- Skin infections from direct contact
- Respiratory issues from contaminated mist
How Infections Enter Your Body
You can get sick by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Swallowing even a small amount of sewage water can introduce pathogens. This often happens if you eat or drink without washing your hands thoroughly after being near the mess.
Open cuts and scrapes are another entry point. Bacteria can slip through broken skin and cause localized infections or more serious conditions like tetanus. Breathing in fine droplets from sewage, such as when you spray water during cleanup, can irritate your airways and potentially lead to respiratory infections. Wearing protection helps block these routes.
Immediate Steps to Protect Yourself
If sewage backs up into your home, keep everyone away from the affected area. Turn off the water source if you can identify it safely. Open windows for ventilation, and avoid touching anything with bare hands. Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
Wash any exposed skin with soap and clean water right away. Launder contaminated clothing separately using hot water and disinfectant. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the affected zone. If you have a wound that touched sewage, clean it thoroughly and apply an antiseptic. See a doctor if you develop any symptoms.
Safe Cleanup Practices
Cleaning sewage is not like cleaning a simple spill. You need to remove all porous materials that soaked up the waste, such as carpet, drywall, and insulation. These items cannot be fully disinfected and should be discarded. Non-porous surfaces like tile and metal can be cleaned with a disinfectant solution.
Use a hose or pump to remove standing water, but never mix sewage with household bleach in large quantities because the fumes can be dangerous. Work in short sessions and take breaks outdoors. Keep children and pets away until the area is dry. If the job feels overwhelming or the contamination is extensive, local water damage pros have the equipment to handle it safely.
When to Seek Professional Help
Some sewage situations are too large or dangerous for a homeowner to handle alone. If the backup covers a large area, involves hot water heating systems, or has soaked into walls and flooring, professional cleanup is often necessary. The pros use industrial-grade vacuums, air movers, and disinfectants that are not available to the general public.
They also know how to test for hidden moisture and prevent mold growth after the sewage is gone. For a toilet overflow in one room, you might manage it yourself with careful precautions. But for whole-home backups or sewage that has spread into air ducts, contact local water damage pros. If you live in Oakland, keep the number of a reliable cleanup service handy before an emergency happens.
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Call Now (510) 318-3798Frequently asked questions
Can sewage exposure make you sick days later?
Yes, some illnesses have incubation periods. Gastroenteritis can appear within hours, while hepatitis A may take weeks. Watch for symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or jaundice for up to a month after exposure. See a doctor if anything develops.
Is it safe to clean sewage yourself?
Small, contained spills can be cleaned with proper gear like gloves, boots, and a mask. But if sewage has soaked into porous materials or spread widely, the risk is higher. Professional help is often safer for extensive contamination.
What should a homeowner do if they accidentally swallow sewage water?
Rinse your mouth with clean water and drink fresh water to dilute it. Do not induce vomiting. Monitor yourself for symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or fever over the next few days. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.