Water is the vehicle in waterborne disease, like drinking water contaminated with Cryptosporidium.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Not sure

Answer: (A)

In infectious disease transmission, a vehicle is an inanimate medium that carries the pathogen from its source to a susceptible person. Water fits this role when drinking water becomes contaminated with pathogens. In the case of Cryptosporidium, the parasite can enter the drinking water supply and, when people drink that water, they ingest the organism. Cryptosporidium oocysts are relatively hardy and can resist some disinfection, which helps explain why contaminated water can lead to outbreaks. So, the statement that water is the vehicle in a waterborne disease, such as drinking water contaminated with Cryptosporidium, is true. Prevention focuses on effective water treatment and filtration, plus measures during outbreaks like boiling advisories.