Which diseases may be spread by inadequately disinfected water?

The correct answer highlights diseases such as typhoid and cholera, which are both caused by bacteria that can thrive in water contaminated with fecal matter. These diseases are primarily transmitted through ingestion of inadequately disinfected water, making proper water treatment and disinfection essential for public health. Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi, while cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae. Both of these pathogens can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, and outbreaks are often linked to poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water.

In contrast, measles and mumps are viral infections that spread through respiratory droplets, not through water. Diabetes and hypertension are chronic health conditions that relate more to lifestyle and genetic factors rather than water quality. Asthma and allergies are respiratory conditions influenced by environmental factors and allergens, rather than being vector-borne or transmitted through water sources. Therefore, understanding the link between water quality and the spread of specific diseases emphasizes the importance of effective water treatment processes.