Fecal–oral route

The transmission of pathogens from an infected host’s feces to another person’s mouth, often through contaminated food, water, or hands.

Fecal contamination: The presence of fecal matter or fecal microbes in a place, substance, or object. It supplies the pathogens that begin transmission along this route.
Sanitation: Systems and practices for safely managing human waste and reducing exposure to disease-causing organisms. Safe waste disposal prevents feces from contaminating surroundings.
Cholera: An acute diarrheal disease caused by toxigenic strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera outbreaks often follow contamination of drinking water with infected feces.
Respiratory transmission: The spread of pathogens through particles released from the respiratory tract and inhaled by another person. Unlike fecal–oral spread, this route begins with respiratory emissions rather than fecal contamination.
Fecal indicator bacteria: Bacteria used to indicate contamination by feces and the possible presence of enteric pathogens. Their detection can reveal contamination in water or food.
Handwashing: The cleaning of hands with water and usually soap to remove dirt and microbes. Handwashing after toileting can block transfer from feces to food or mouths.
Norovirus: A highly contagious group of viruses that causes acute gastroenteritis. Its low infectious dose and environmental persistence facilitate foodborne and person-to-person spread.
Contact transmission: The spread of pathogens through direct physical contact or contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. Contact can transmit infection without fecal material reaching the mouth.
Infectious dose: The number of pathogen particles or organisms needed to cause infection in a host. The dose ingested helps determine whether exposure leads to infection.
Water treatment: Processes that make water safer or suitable for a particular use by removing or inactivating contaminants. Treatment can remove or kill pathogens before people drink contaminated water.

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