Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Cholera
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This general science question tests basic knowledge of disease causation and the difference between viral and non viral infections. Competitive exams frequently ask which disease in a list is caused by a virus or which one is an exception. Recognising the correct pathogen type is important for understanding prevention and treatment strategies in public health.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question lists Chicken pox, Dengue, Cholera, Polio and Measles.
- It asks which disease is not caused by a virus.
- We assume standard textbook definitions of these diseases.
Concept / Approach:
The key concept is the classification of diseases by causative organism. Chicken pox, Dengue, Polio and Measles are classic viral diseases. Cholera, in contrast, is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae. Identifying the lone bacterial disease among viral diseases is the required approach.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Chicken pox is caused by the varicella zoster virus, so it is viral.
Step 2: Remember that Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
Step 3: Recall that Polio is caused by the poliovirus, and Measles is caused by the measles virus.
Step 4: Know that Cholera is caused by a bacterium, Vibrio cholerae, not by any virus. Therefore Cholera is the only non viral disease in the list.
Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to connect each disease with its common vaccine. Chicken pox, Polio and Measles all have well known viral vaccines. Dengue is controlled mainly by vector control and now by viral vaccines in some places. Cholera control focuses on safe water and sanitation because it is a water borne bacterial disease. This difference confirms that Cholera is not viral.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Chicken pox is wrong because it is a viral disease of childhood caused by varicella zoster virus.
Dengue is wrong because it is caused by dengue virus spread by mosquito bites.
Polio is wrong as it is caused by poliovirus and targeted through oral polio vaccines.
Measles is wrong because it is clearly a viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse bacterial and viral diseases simply because symptoms such as fever, vomiting or diarrhoea appear similar. Another pitfall is rushing through the options and choosing Measles or Chicken pox as exceptions, even though they are classic viral infections. Careful recall of basic microbiology terms helps avoid such errors.
Final Answer:
Therefore, the only disease listed that is not caused by a virus is Cholera.
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