What are waterborne diseases?

Waterborne diseases are specifically illnesses that occur due to the presence of pathogens in contaminated drinking water. These pathogens can include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and protozoa, which may enter water supplies through various means such as sewage contamination, agricultural runoff, or inadequate water treatment. When individuals consume this contaminated water, they can become infected, leading to a range of illnesses that can vary in severity.

This definition highlights the critical connection between water quality and public health, emphasizing the importance of proper sanitation, safe drinking water, and effective wastewater management to prevent these diseases. The other options do not pertain to waterborne diseases, focusing instead on pathogens in food, air, or related to physical injuries, which fall under different categories of health concerns.