Question

Which of the following diseases is caused by a virus?
(A) Cholera
(B) Diphtheria
(C) Measles
(D) Whooping cough

Answer 1

Viral diseases are an infection caused by a virus. Most of the viral diseases exhibit in the upper respiratory tract.

Complete Answer:
A) Cholera is a bacterial disease caused by Vibrio cholerae. The main source of spread of this disease is by water or food contaminated by Vibrio spp. The main symptom of this disease is acute watery diarrhoea, dehydration, fever etc. If left untreated this can lead to the death of an individual.

B) Diphtheria is a serious upper respiratory tract infection that is caused by bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheria. This species of bacteria infects the mucous layer of the upper respiratory tract mainly the nose and throat. The noticeable symptom of this infection is white- grey thick coating on the tonsils. Some of the other symptoms include sore throat, drooling, chills, fever, etc.

C) Measles is a viral infection caused by a virus of the paramyxovirus family. The virus is known to infect the respiratory tract and then assimilate to other organ systems. The main symptoms are fever, runny nose, cough and rash on cheeks and upper neck.

D) Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The main symptom of this disease is uncontrollable and violent coughing episodes. This coughing has a typical 'whoop' sound. The early symptoms of the disease are common cold, fever and cough. Difficulty in breathing is observed as the infection proceeds.

Note: Many viral diseases exhibit themselves in the respiratory tract and are often airborne. The major symptoms of such disease often mimic the common cold.