Context:
The Ugandan government and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recently confirmed an outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD).
Sudan Virus Disease (SVD):
- Viral hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola
- 1st identified in southern Sudan in 1976.
- Cause: Sudan virus (SUDV), Filoviridae family.
- Enzootic virus: Present in animal reservoirs in affected regions.
- Reservoir: Likely found in bats and non-human primates.
- Similarity to Ebola Virus:
- Both belong to Orthoebolavirus family.
- Require different vaccines due to genetic differences.
- Transmission: Person-to-person transmission through direct contact with:
- Blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals.
- Contaminated surfaces, materials, and infected animals.
- Mortality rate: Ranges from 40% to 100%.
- Diagnosis: Requires laboratory testing (PCR tests or antigen detection tests).
- Treatment:No approved vaccines for Sudan virus.
- Phase 1 vaccine trials and monoclonal antibody treatments are being explored.
Source: DTE
Previous year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by ‘the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)