Consider the following diseases

2014

Science and Technology, Specific 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 only

(d)

None of the above

Answer:

(b)

Explanation

Option 1 is incorrect: Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease but still occurs in India. Option 2 is incorrect: Chickenpox cases are still reported in India. Vaccines are available, but eradication has not been achieved. Option 3 is correct: India, in line with the global campaign, eradicated smallpox in 1977. In 1980, WHO declared smallpox eradicated worldwide. Additional information Polio: India remains polio-free (since 2014 certification). Measles & Rubella elimination targeted under WHO’s South-East Asia plan (India aims for elimination by 2027).