People drinking water from a shallow hand pump, are likely to suffer from all of the following diseases except

Correct Option

Shallow hand pumps draw water from relatively superficial aquifers, which are highly susceptible to contamination from surface sources such as sewage, agricultural runoff, and open defecation. This contamination often introduces pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, protozoa) into the water, leading to waterborne diseases.

Cholera, typhoid, and jaundice (specifically viral hepatitis A and E) are classic waterborne diseases caused by such microbial contamination. Fluorosis, however, is a non-communicable disease resulting from prolonged consumption of water containing excessive concentrations of fluoride. High fluoride content is typically found in deeper geological formations and groundwater sources, not usually in the shallow aquifers accessed by hand pumps. Therefore, fluorosis is less likely to be associated with shallow hand pump water compared to the other listed diseases.

Incorrect Options

• Cholera: This is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is primarily transmitted through the consumption of water or food contaminated with faecal matter from an infected person. Shallow hand pumps are highly vulnerable to such contamination.
• Typhoid: Caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, typhoid fever is a waterborne disease spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Contamination of shallow groundwater sources with sewage is a common route of transmission.
• Jaundice: While jaundice is a symptom, it is often associated with waterborne diseases like Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E. These viral infections are transmitted through the faecal-oral route, typically via contaminated water. Shallow hand pump water is a common source of such infections.