Which of the following is transmitted by rodents? & x20;

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Which of the following is transmitted by rodents?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Hantavirus is a zoonotic virus primarily transmitted to humans by rodents.
Infection occurs through the inhalation of aerosolized particles from the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents, such as deer mice.
It is the causative agent of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe and often fatal respiratory illness.

Option A: Hepatitis-A is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, typically via ingestion of contaminated food or water, not by rodents.
Option B: Polio virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and sometimes through respiratory droplets. It is not a rodent-borne disease.
Option C: Norwalk virus (a type of Norovirus) is a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis and is spread via the fecal-oral route, person-to-person contact, or contaminated surfaces. It is not transmitted by rodents.

Visual 1: Infographic - The transmission cycle of Hantavirus, showing the rodent reservoir, shedding of the virus in excreta, aerosolization of viral particles, and subsequent inhalation by a human.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Transmission routes of zoonotic viruses as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must maintain a high index of suspicion for Hantavirus in patients presenting with a febrile prodrome and rapid onset of respiratory distress, especially if there is a history of exposure to rural or wilderness environments or potential rodent-infested buildings.
Patient education on prevention is a key nursing role. This includes advising on how to safely clean up rodent-infested areas (e.g., wearing gloves, using disinfectant, not sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings) to prevent aerosolization.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a medical emergency. Rapid identification and transfer to an ICU for intensive respiratory and hemodynamic support are critical for patient survival.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to find the disease 'transmitted by rodents'.
Second, analyze the four options provided, all of which are viruses.
Third, recall or systematically review the primary mode of transmission for each virus.
Recognize that Hepatitis A, Polio virus, and Norwalk virus are classic examples of diseases spread through the fecal-oral route (contaminated food, water, or hands).
Identify Hantavirus as a well-known zoonotic disease whose reservoir is rodents.
Conclude that Hantavirus is the only option that fits the criteria of being transmitted by rodents.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-21 July 2019 (Shift-2nd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.