Question

Which of the following is water borne disease?
A. Malaria
B. Cholera
C. Tuberculosis
D. Both A and B

Answer 1

Hint: The infections which are transmitted through contaminated water are called water borne diseases. The infectious stages of the microbes enter the water and this water on consumption causes diseases.

Complete Answer:
- Water borne disease is caused by the infectious organisms which are transmitted through water. It can be spread by bathing, drinking contaminated water, or by eating food exposed with contaminated water.
- The microorganisms like protozoa, bacteria, and nematodes cause diseases by contaminating the water. These are intestinal parasites which attack the tissues or circulatory system by crossing the walls of the digestive tract.
- One example of such disease is cholera. It is caused by consuming water which is being contaminated with bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
- Malaria- It is an insect borne disease spread by the female anopheles mosquito. The causative agent is Plasmodium falciparum.
- Tuberculosis- It is spread through the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. It is spread by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Thus the correct answer is (B). Cholera is water borne disease.

Additional Information: Insect borne disease requires a vector which carries the microbes to the secondary host where they divide and carry out metabolism. Example-malaria, dengue.

Note: Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease which can be fatal if untreated. The children are more susceptible to getting the disease. It is a global threat to public health. It is an epidemic in many countries due to poor hygiene and sanitation.