What are waterborne diseases?

Waterborne diseases are illnesses that are transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated water. This can occur when a person consumes water that contains pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which often originate from fecal matter, poorly treated sewage, or unclean water supplies. The presence of these pathogens in water can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal infections, cholera, and dysentery, among others.

The definition focuses on the mode of transmission — specifically, through water that people consume or come into contact with. Understanding this concept highlights the importance of clean water access and sanitation practices to prevent the spread of these diseases, particularly in areas where water quality is compromised. The other options presented address different health-related issues that do not specifically involve water as the medium for disease transmission, thereby distinguishing waterborne diseases clearly from other categories of diseases.