Concept-
- When the functioning of one or more organs or systems of the body is adversely affected, characterized by various signs and symptoms, we say that we are not healthy, i.e., we have a disease.
- Diseases can be broadly grouped into infectious and non-infectious.
- Diseases that are easily transmitted from one person to another, are called infectious diseases.
- Infectious diseases are very common and every one of us suffers from these at some time or other. Some of the infectious diseases like AIDS are fatal.
- Non-infectious disease cancer is the major cause of death.
Important Points
- Hepatitis B is a liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- The virus is known to interfere with the functions of the liver and cause pathological damage.
- It can be both acute or chronic disease.
- HBV is spread by contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person.
Explanation-
- Human beings have been abusing the water bodies around the world by disposing of them all kinds of waste.
- We tend to believe that water can wash away everything not taking cognizance of the fact that the water bodies are our lifeline as well as that of all other living organisms.
- Sewage from our homes as well as from hospitals is likely to contain many undesirable pathogenic microorganisms.
- Its disposal into the water without proper treatment may cause an outbreak of serious diseases, such as dysentery, typhoid, jaundice, cholera, etc.
Therefore Hepatitis-B is not a contaminated water disease.
Mistake Points
- Jaundice and Hepatitis B are not the same.
- Hepatitis B is a disease, while jaundice is a symptom.
- Jaundice symptom can be caused by many different reasons and Hepatitis B is just one of them. It can also be caused due to contaminated water.
Additional Information
Jaundice
- Jaundice can spread through contaminated water.
- It is a disease caused due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood and blood tissues.
- The disease causes yellowish discoloration of the skin, eyes, and other mucous membranes.
- It is common in newborn babies because the newborn’s liver is not fully developed.
- Symptoms of Jaundice are fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, drowsiness, vomiting, etc.
Cholera
- Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated.
- It is caused due to the consumption of contaminated food or water.
- The provision of safe water and sanitation is critical to control the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
- It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera.
- People may feel pain in their abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or watery Diarrhoea.

