Why is the transmission of disease more likely with loose stools compared to solid stools?

Loose stools are indeed more likely to transmit disease because they can contain millions of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that can easily spread through water sources. When loose stools are present in a swimming environment, for instance, the pathogens can contaminate the water and pose a risk to others who may ingest or come in contact with the contaminated water. This high concentration of germs increases the likelihood of disease transmission compared to solid stools, which tend to be more contained and less likely to disperse pathogens into the surrounding environment.

The other options do not accurately capture the nature of how germs spread. For instance, while solid stools may not be as infectious as loose stools, they are not harmless nor do health regulations suggest that only loose stools are a concern. Health guidelines recognize that all forms of fecal matter can pose health risks, but the risk is elevated significantly with loose stools due to their ability to spread germs rapidly.