If waste materials contaminate the source of drinking water which of the following disease will spread ?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Typhoid

Rationale:

Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by *Salmonella typhi*. It spreads primarily through contaminated food or water, often when waste materials pollute drinking water sources.
Contaminated water is the most common source of typhoid outbreaks, especially in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate waste disposal systems.
When waste materials contaminate water sources, they introduce pathogens like *Salmonella typhi*, which can survive in water and infect individuals who consume it.
Symptoms of typhoid include high fever, abdominal pain, weakness, and diarrhea or constipation. If untreated, typhoid can become life-threatening due to intestinal perforation or sepsis.
Preventative measures include ensuring access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene practices. Vaccination is also available for individuals in high-risk areas.

Explanation of Other Options:

Malaria

Rationale: Malaria is caused by *Plasmodium* parasites and spread through the bite of infected female *Anopheles* mosquitoes. It is not related to water contamination but rather stagnant water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Drinking water contamination does not play any role in the transmission of malaria.

Anemia

Rationale: Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of sufficient healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. It can result from nutritional deficiencies (like iron, vitamin B12, or folate), chronic diseases, or genetic conditions.
Anemia is not caused by drinking contaminated water, although poor nutrition associated with unsanitary conditions could indirectly contribute to it.

Scurvy

Rationale: Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and is characterized by symptoms such as bleeding gums, fatigue, and joint pain.
It is unrelated to water contamination and is instead linked to a lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, typhoid is the only disease directly linked to the contamination of drinking water by waste materials. Ensuring clean and safe water sources is essential to prevent typhoid and other waterborne diseases.