Technology : Health And Diseases

Q 10 / 28

UPSC CSE Prelims 2014

Consider the following diseases:

  1. Diphtheria
  2. Chickenpox
  3. Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (b):

Smallpox is the only disease among the given options that has been officially eradicated from India. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared India free from smallpox in 1977, following a global eradication program that involved extensive vaccination efforts. Diphtheria, although largely controlled through routine immunization, still records cases and occasional outbreaks in various regions. Chickenpox is a common infectious disease that continues to occur sporadically across India and has not been eradicated.

Incorrect Options:

  • Option (a) is incorrect because Diphtheria and Chickenpox have not been eradicated in India; they continue to persist.
  • Option (c) is incorrect as only Smallpox among the listed diseases has been eradicated, not all three.
  • Option (d) is incorrect because Smallpox has indeed been eradicated from India, making the statement "None" false.
SOURCENCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 8: Human Health and Disease