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Prelims 2017 · Q31 · Diseases, vaccines & health

Consider the following statements :

  1. 1.In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
  2. 2.Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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Answer: C. Statement 1 is correct: in tropical regions Zika is spread mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also spreads dengue and chikungunya. Statement 2 is correct: the WHO confirms that Zika can be passed on through sex. So both 1 and 2.

Watch for: Watch for the idea that a mosquito-borne disease can only spread through mosquitoes. Zika also spreads through sex and from mother to child.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. Wrong because sexual transmission of Zika is also possible.
  • B. Wrong because Aedes aegypti does spread both Zika and dengue.
  • D. Wrong because both statements are true.

Source to check: WHO Fact Sheet 'Zika virus' (who.int); NCERT Class 12 Biology, Chapter 8 'Human Health and Disease' (Aedes-borne diseases)

Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.