Question

Which disease spreads through open defecation ?

• A. Diarrhoea, Typhoid, Jaundice
• B. Diabetes, Heart disease, Arthritis
• C. Haemorrhoid, Goitre, Cataract
• D. None of these

Hint:

Associate "open defecation" with diseases that affect the digestive system or are known to be "water-borne." These are typically transmitted when pathogens from faeces contaminate drinking water or food supplies.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Open defecation contaminates the environment (soil, water sources) with human faeces, which can contain numerous disease-causing pathogens. The question asks which set of diseases is spread through this route.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The diseases spread by open defecation are primarily transmitted through the faecal-oral route. This means pathogens from faeces get into the mouth, usually via contaminated hands, water, or food (often contaminated by flies).
Let's analyze the options:
(A) Diarrhoea, Typhoid, Jaundice: These are classic faecal-oral diseases. Diarrhoea is often caused by bacteria like E. coli found in faeces. Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium \textit{Salmonella Typhi}, spread through contaminated food and water. Jaundice can be caused by Hepatitis A and E viruses, which are also transmitted via the faecal-oral route.
(B) Diabetes, Heart disease, Arthritis: These are non-communicable, lifestyle-related diseases. They are not caused by pathogens and cannot be spread through open defecation.
(C) Haemorrhoid, Goitre, Cataract: These are not infectious diseases spread this way. Haemorrhoids are swollen veins, Goitre is caused by iodine deficiency, and Cataract is a clouding of the eye lens.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Diarrhoea, Typhoid, and Jaundice are all diseases that can be spread through the contamination of water and food resulting from open defecation.