Texas Wastewater Class B Practice Exam

Which diseases may be caused by pathogenic organisms present in raw wastewater?

1. Malaria and Zika

2. Hepatitis and cholera

3. Flu and common cold

4. Asthma and allergies

The correct answer is: Hepatitis and cholera

The presence of pathogenic organisms in raw wastewater can lead to various diseases that affect public health. Hepatitis, a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation, can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, which is a risk when wastewater is improperly managed. Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is also closely associated with contaminated water supplies, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation practices. These diseases are directly linked to exposure to pathogens found in raw wastewater. Malaria and Zika, on the other hand, are primarily transmitted through vectors such as mosquitoes and are not associated with wastewater exposure. Respiratory illnesses like the flu and common cold are caused by viruses that do not rely on wastewater for transmission, while asthma and allergies are typically triggered by environmental factors such as pollutants, allergens, and irritants—not by pathogens in wastewater. Thus, the selection of hepatitis and cholera highlights the significant health risks posed by untreated wastewater and emphasizes the importance of effective wastewater treatment systems.