Correct Option
The correct option is (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
: Diseases associated with water are generally classified based on their transmission mechanism. Water-borne diseases are caused by the ingestion of water contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, or parasites). In contrast, vector-borne diseases are transmitted by insects (vectors) that may breed in water but are not contracted through the direct consumption of water. Statement-wise Analysis:- 1. Diarrhoea: Correct. Diarrhoea is a symptom and a condition often caused by a variety of pathogens (such as Rotavirus, E. coli) transmitted through contaminated drinking water. It is one of the most common water-borne illnesses globally.
- 2. Dysentery: Correct. Dysentery is an intestinal inflammation, primarily of the colon, that can lead to severe diarrhoea with mucus or blood. It is typically caused by the ingestion of water contaminated with the bacterium Shigella (Bacillary dysentery) or the parasite Entamoeba histolytica (Amoebic dysentery).
- 3. Cholera: Correct. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is a classic example of a water-borne disease linked to unsafe sanitation and drinking water.
- 4. Malaria: Incorrect. Malaria is a vector-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. While mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, the disease is not contracted by drinking the water.