UPSC Prelims 2014 Q12: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
Consider the following diseases :
1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) None
Answer: (b) 3 only
Explanation
Diseases eradicated in India
| Disease | Eradicated in India? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Diphtheria | No | Still occurs; prevented by the DPT vaccine |
| 2. Chickenpox | No | Still common; caused by the varicella virus |
| 3. Smallpox | Yes | India's last case was in 1975; the world was declared free in 1980 |
Diseases India has eliminated or eradicated:
| Disease | Year |
|---|---|
| Smallpox | 1977 (India declared free) |
| Guinea worm disease | 2000 |
| Polio | 2014 (certified polio-free) |
| Maternal and neonatal tetanus | 2015 |
| Yaws | 2016 |
Smallpox is the only human disease eradicated worldwide.
Answer: (b) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Neither diphtheria nor chickenpox has been eradicated.
- (b) CORRECT. Only smallpox has been eradicated in India.
- (c) Incorrect. Diphtheria and chickenpox still occur in India.
- (d) Incorrect. Smallpox has been eradicated, so 'None' is wrong.
Key point
Smallpox: eradicated (world, 1980). India is also free of guinea worm (2000), polio (2014), maternal and neonatal tetanus (2015) and yaws (2016).
Remember
Smallpox = eradicated; diphtheria and chickenpox = not.
Common mistakes
- Confusing chickenpox with smallpox.
- Thinking a disease with a vaccine must be eradicated.
- Mixing up eradication (worldwide, permanent) and elimination (in a region).
Exam tip
Only one human disease is eradicated worldwide: smallpox.
Sources
- World Health Organization — Smallpox eradication
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare — Universal Immunization Programme