Waterborne disease risk: Pathogens in contaminated water are associated with which of the following illnesses?

Introduction / Context:
Drinking water safety is assessed partly by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Fecal contamination can transmit bacteria and viruses responsible for several serious diseases, emphasizing the need for effective water and wastewater treatment and robust surveillance programs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The water is contaminated with pathogenic organisms.
• Diseases listed include bacterial and viral illnesses.
• No immunity or vaccination is assumed.

Concept / Approach:

Pathogens include Salmonella typhi (typhoid), Vibrio cholerae (cholera), Shigella species and others (dysentery), and Hepatitis A virus (infectious hepatitis). These are classically associated with fecal–oral transmission through contaminated drinking water or food washed with contaminated water.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Epidemiological records and WHO guidance list these as waterborne or water-related diseases preventable by safe water, sanitation, and hygiene measures.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Each individual disease is indeed water-related; choosing any single option would be incomplete.

Common Pitfalls:

Equating absence of coliforms with absolute safety; overlooking viral pathogens that may escape basic chlorination; ignoring post-treatment recontamination risks.

Final Answer:

All of the above