Which waterborne illness is a viral infection often spread through contaminated water?

Which waterborne illness is a viral infection often spread through contaminated water?

• A. Giardiasis
• B. Hepatitis
• C. Dysentery
• D. Typhoid

Answer: (B)

Hepatitis is a viral infection that can indeed be spread through contaminated water, particularly viral hepatitis A. This type of hepatitis is often associated with poor sanitation and can occur in areas where water sources are not properly treated or are contaminated with fecal matter. The virus is typically transmitted when a person ingests water that has been contaminated with the virus, leading to liver inflammation and various symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. In contrast, the other illnesses listed are primarily caused by different pathogens. Giardiasis is caused by a protozoan parasite, Dysentery is most often associated with bacterial infections (though it can also be viral), and Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. Although these conditions may also be related to contaminated water, they do not fit the specific category of viral infections.

Hepatitis is a viral infection that can indeed be spread through contaminated water, particularly viral hepatitis A. This type of hepatitis is often associated with poor sanitation and can occur in areas where water sources are not properly treated or are contaminated with fecal matter. The virus is typically transmitted when a person ingests water that has been contaminated with the virus, leading to liver inflammation and various symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.

In contrast, the other illnesses listed are primarily caused by different pathogens. Giardiasis is caused by a protozoan parasite, Dysentery is most often associated with bacterial infections (though it can also be viral), and Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. Although these conditions may also be related to contaminated water, they do not fit the specific category of viral infections.