Which of the following diseases has been eradicated from all over the world?

Appeared in: UPRVUNL - 2021

Explanation

Smallpox is the only human disease that has been successfully eradicated on a global scale.
The World Health Organization (WHO) certified the global eradication of smallpox in May 1980 following a worldwide vaccination campaign.
The last naturally occurring case was diagnosed in 1977, and since then, no natural cases have been reported.
Eradication means the disease-causing agent has been completely eliminated worldwide, so intervention measures are no longer needed.

Option B: Pertussis, or whooping cough, has not been eradicated. It remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in infants, even in countries with high vaccination coverage.
Option C: Chickenpox (Varicella) is a common, highly contagious viral disease found worldwide. While a vaccine exists and has reduced its incidence in many areas, it has not been eradicated.
Option D: Cholera is a bacterial disease that is endemic in many regions, particularly those with poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water. It frequently causes outbreaks and epidemics.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Global eradication of infectious diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between disease control, elimination, and eradication is fundamental for public health nurses in planning and evaluating community health programs.
The success of the smallpox eradication program is a powerful example of the impact of coordinated global public health efforts and vaccination, serving as a model for other initiatives.
What if? If the question asked which disease is currently targeted for global eradication, a correct answer would be Poliomyelitis (Polio). While close to eradication, wild poliovirus still circulates in a few countries.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question stem, which is 'eradicated'.
Understand the precise definition of eradication: the complete and permanent reduction of a disease's incidence to zero worldwide.
Evaluate each option based on this definition.
Recall that Smallpox is the classic and only example of a human disease that has been successfully eradicated.
Eliminate the other options by recalling that Pertussis, Chickenpox, and Cholera are all still present in the global population.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1043-1045

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 146-148

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 25-27

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