Which of the following diseases is not transmitted mainly by the Fecal-Oral route?

UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024

Explanation

Measles is the correct answer as it is not transmitted via the fecal-oral route.
It is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Rubeola virus.
Its primary mode of transmission is airborne, through the inhalation of infectious respiratory droplets (aerosols) that can remain suspended in the air for long periods.
This is in contrast to the fecal-oral route, which involves ingestion of pathogens.

Option A: Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the virus.
Option B: Cholera is a classic example of a disease transmitted via the fecal-oral route, most commonly through drinking water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Option D: Enteric fever, also known as typhoid fever, is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi and spreads through the fecal-oral route via contaminated food and water.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Modes of infectious disease transmission as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding transmission routes is fundamental for implementing the correct infection control precautions and breaking the chain of infection.
For Measles, a nurse must implement airborne precautions, which include using an N95 respirator and placing the patient in a negative-pressure isolation room.
For diseases transmitted via the fecal-oral route (Hepatitis A, Cholera, Enteric fever), standard and contact precautions are key. This includes meticulous hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet and before handling food, ensuring safe drinking water, and proper sanitation.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question and identify the negative keyword "not". This indicates you are looking for the option that is an exception.
The core concept is the "Fecal-Oral route" of transmission. Define this in your mind: transmission through ingesting something contaminated with feces.
Systematically review each option and recall its primary mode of transmission.
Recall that Hepatitis A, Cholera, and Enteric (typhoid) fever are all classic examples of diseases spread through contaminated food and water.
Recall that Measles is a well-known childhood respiratory illness that is highly contagious and spreads through the air.
Based on this analysis, conclude that Measles is the only option not transmitted by the fecal-oral route, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Modes of infectious disease transmission
Stem keywords: disease, transmitted, Fecal-Oral route
Lead-in keywords: not
Negative lead-in flag: Question asks for the exception (NOT transmitted by the specified route).

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