Final answer:
Diarrheal diseases in India are caused by various pathogens, including Vibrio cholerae, and are exacerbated by inadequate sanitation and contaminated water. High mortality rates from such diseases highlight the necessity for improved public health infrastructure and access to clean water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diarrheal disease in India has a complex etiology, involving a range of pathogenic microorganisms such as Vibrio cholerae, E. coli, and rotavirus, which are often transmitted through contaminated water sources. In India, the lack of modern sanitation facilities and access to clean water, along with indoor air pollution from unprocessed solid fuels, have exacerbated the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera. Cholera, characterized by severe diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal cramps, can have a devastating impact, especially when outbreaks follow natural disasters that disrupt clean water supplies.
Inadequate water supply management by engineers results in a higher risk for epidemics, which are often characterized by widespread transmission and high mortality rates. To combat such issues, there is a need for improved sanitation infrastructure and public health measures, including access to rehydration therapies and vaccinations in vulnerable populations.