Canada imposes Ebola-related travel ban, Bahamas to increase screening

Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia were in the news for the outbreak of the Ebola virus. The most widespread outbreak of the Ebola virus disease began in 2013 and continued until 2016, causing major loss of life and socio-economic disruption in the West African region, mainly in the countries of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
The first cases were recorded in Guinea in December 2013. Later, the disease spread to neighboring Liberia and Sierra Leone. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

 The Wolbachia method is a biological method that utilises the Wolbachia bacteria to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue fever. * Wolbachia naturally infects some insect species, but not Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vector for dengue fever transmission. Scientists introduce Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti populations.  Wolbachia reduces the ability of these mosquitoes to transmit dengue virus.  * As Wolbachia spreads through the mosquito population, it can significantly reduce the incidence of dengue fever.  * This method offers a natural and sustainable approach to controlling dengue fever, a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions.

Option A is correct. Both Hepatitis B virus and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth. Option B is incorrect. Unlike Hepatitis C, there is a vaccine available for Hepatitis B. The Hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing Hepatitis B virus infection. Option C is correct. According to global health statistics, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses combined is indeed several times more than those infected with HIV. Option D is correct. Many individuals infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses may not show any symptoms for years or even decades. This is known as chronic hepatitis, and it can lead to severe liver damage if left untreated.

Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that target specific antigens and can be used to treat viral infections like Nipah virus. * ✅ I. Man-made proteins – Created by cloning a single immune cell type. * ✅II. Bind to specific antigens – Help stimulate or guide immune response. * ✅III. Used in viral infections – Applied in treating infections like Nipah virus. All three statements are correct.

* Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that cannot be spread through tattooing. * Hepatitis B is a liver infection that can lead to liver failure and cancer. It's spread through contact with the blood, open sores, or body fluids of an infected person. * HIV is a virus that destroys the white blood cells responsible for fighting infections. It can result in AIDS, the final stage of infection. It spreads mainly through unprotected sex, sharing drug needles, or contact with infected blood.

Influenza (H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenza A virus that was the most common cause of human influenza (flu) in 2009 and is associated with the 1918 outbreak known as the Spanish Flu. It is an orthomyxovirus that contains the glycoproteins haemagglutinin and neuraminidase. For this reason, they are described as H1N1, H1N2 etc., depending on the type of H or N antigens they express with metabolic synergy. - Haemagglutinin causes red blood cells to clump together and binds the virus to the infected cell.
- Neuraminidase is a type of glycoside hydrolase enzyme which helps to move the virus particles through the infected cell and assist in budding from the host cells. In June 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new strain of swine-origin H1N1 as a pandemic. This strain is often called swine flu by the public media.

Statement 1 is correct. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCVs) are effective in preventing several serious diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. This includes pneumonia, meningitis (inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord), and sepsis (a life-threatening blood infection). Statement 2 is also correct. The growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major concern. PCV vaccination helps reduce dependence on antibiotics, particularly for these resistant strains. This lowers the risk of antibiotic overuse and emergence of further resistance. Statement 3 is incorrect. While most people experience no serious side effects with PCV vaccines, there can be mild reactions like redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site. Serious allergic reactions are rare.

All of the listed factors - birds, dust blowing, rain, and wind blowing - can contribute to the spread of plant diseases Statement 1 is correct: Birds can act as vectors, carrying and spreading plant pathogens from one location to another through their feathers, feet, or droppings. Statement 2 is correct: Dust and soil particles blown by the wind can carry and spread plant diseases, especially fungal spores and bacterial cells. Statement 3 is correct: Rain can splash and disperse plant pathogens, such as fungi and bacteria, from the soil or infected plant parts to uninfected plants. Statement 4 is correct: Wind can transport and spread airborne plant pathogens, such as fungal spores and bacterial cells, over long distances.

Statement 1 is correct: The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same mosquito that transmits the dengue virus in tropical and subtropical regions. Statement 2 is correct: While Zika virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, the virus can also be transmitted from person to person through sexual contact. Therefore, both the statements 1 and 2 are correct.

* Statement 1 is correct: Biofilms are a major concern in healthcare. They can form on implanted devices like catheters, heart valves, and artificial joints within human tissues. These biofilms can harbour bacteria that are difficult to eradicate with antibiotics, leading to chronic infections and potential implant failure. * Statement 2 is correct: Biofilms can also form on food and food processing surfaces. This can contaminate food with bacteria and contribute to spoilage. Biofilms on these surfaces are also challenging to remove due to their protective matrix. * Statement 3 is correct: Bacteria within biofilms can exhibit increased resistance to antibiotics. The biofilm matrix acts as a barrier, making it harder for antibiotics to reach and kill the bacteria. Additionally, bacteria within biofilms can communicate and share genetic material, potentially promoting the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. All three statements are correct.