UPSC Prelims 2005 Q132: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
Consider the following statements:
1. Dengue is a protozoan disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
2. Retro - orbital pain is not a symptom of Dengue.
3. Skin rash and bleeding from nose and gums are some of the symptoms of Dengue.
Which one of the following statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 2 only
- (d) 1 and 3
Answer: (b) 3 only
Explanation
Dengue and its symptoms
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Dengue is a protozoan disease | False: dengue is viral, spread by Aedes mosquitoes |
| 2. Retro-orbital pain is not a symptom | False: pain behind the eyes is a symptom |
| 3. Skin rash and bleeding from nose and gums | True — symptoms, especially in haemorrhagic dengue |
Only statement 3 is correct.
Answer: (b) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Dengue is viral and retro-orbital pain is a symptom.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 3 is correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 denies a real symptom.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false because dengue is not protozoan.
Key point
Protozoan: malaria, kala-azar. Viral: dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever.
Remember
Dengue is a viral disease with rash and bleeding in severe cases.
Common mistakes
- Treating dengue as protozoan like malaria.
- Not knowing retro-orbital pain as a symptom.
- Mixing Aedes with the Anopheles mosquito.
Exam tip
Dengue: Aedes aegypti, virus, break-bone fever.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII Biology — Human Health and Disease
- World Health Organization — Dengue and severe dengue (fact sheet)