Florida Drinking Water Operator "B" Practice Test

Which disease is NOT commonly transmitted through contaminated water?

1. Cholera

2. Dysentery

3. Hepatitis

4. Influenza

The correct answer is: Influenza

Influenza is not commonly transmitted through contaminated water. This viral infection primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, as well as through direct contact with surfaces contaminated by the virus. Unlike cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis, which are directly associated with waterborne transmission due to pathogens that contaminate drinking water or bathing water, influenza requires a different mode of transmission related to respiratory rather than waterborne pathways. Cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis are all waterborne diseases, meaning they can be contracted through consuming or coming into contact with contaminated water. Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, often occurs in areas with inadequate water treatment. Dysentery, typically referring to infections caused by bacteria such as Shigella or parasites like Entamoeba histolytica, is also associated with poor sanitation and contaminated water supplies. Hepatitis A, transmitted by the fecal-oral route, can spread through water contaminated with feces from an infected person. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing how various diseases are transmitted and highlights the importance of fighting water contamination to prevent waterborne illnesses effectively.