Which diseases can be carried by pathogens in wastewater?

Pathogens present in wastewater can lead to various diseases, particularly those that are transmitted through the fecal-oral route or through direct contact with contaminated water. The choice referencing polio and infectious hepatitis is particularly significant because both of these diseases are caused by viruses commonly associated with contaminated water.

Polio, caused by the poliovirus, can be transmitted through water contaminated with feces, especially in areas with poor sanitation. It affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis. Infectious hepatitis, often referred to as hepatitis A, is another viral infection that spreads through ingestion of contaminated food or water. The transmission of these diseases through wastewater highlights the critical need for effective wastewater treatment and sanitation measures to protect public health.

Other choices include diseases that are not predominantly associated with wastewater. For instance, flu and pneumonia are primarily respiratory illnesses caused by viruses or bacteria spread through respiratory droplets, and malaria is a mosquito-borne disease. Asthma and bronchitis are chronic respiratory conditions that do not have a direct link to pathogens in wastewater. Understanding the unique transmission pathways of different diseases emphasizes the importance of managing and treating wastewater effectively to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases.