How are waterborne diseases primarily transmitted?

Waterborne diseases are primarily transmitted through microorganisms that thrive in contaminated water sources. These pathogens include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that can enter the water supply due to various sources of contamination such as human or animal waste. When individuals consume or come into contact with this contaminated water, they can become infected with these microorganisms, leading to illnesses.

While contaminated food can also be a vehicle for disease transmission, the key factor in waterborne diseases specifically relates to the presence of disease-causing microorganisms in water. Unsanitary conditions can contribute to the proliferation of these microbes, but the transmission itself is a result of the actual pathogens present in the water. Airborne particles, although a means of transmission for other diseases, do not play a significant role in the spread of waterborne diseases.