What health issues can contaminated water potentially cause?

Contaminated water can lead to a range of serious health issues, particularly diarrheal diseases, cholera, and typhoid. These conditions are primarily caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that enter water sources through human or animal waste.

Diarrheal diseases are a major concern in communities with poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water. They can cause dehydration, malnutrition, and in severe cases, death, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Cholera, an acute diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, can lead to severe dehydration and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi, is another significant illness associated with contaminated water, leading to high fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal complications.

These health impacts highlight the critical importance of ensuring safe and clean water supplies, as well as the need for effective waste management practices to prevent contamination. The other choices suggest positive health outcomes that are not associated with contaminated water exposure.