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 ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why the answer is (c)
• Zika virus is spread mainly by Aedes aegypti (and Aedes albopictus), the same day-biting mosquitoes that transmit dengue and chikungunya (statement 1).
• Sexual transmission is documented — the virus persists in semen for months — along with mother-to-child transmission causing microcephaly, and transmission through blood (statement 2).
• The 2015–16 outbreak in Brazil led WHO to declare a Public Health Emergency; India reported cases from 2017.
• Hence both 1 and 2, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 2 is also correct: sexual transmission occurs.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 1 is also correct: Aedes transmits both.
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- Both statements are correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.