Diseases are classified based on their mode of transmission. Some spread through air (airborne), while others spread through water, food, vectors, or contact.
Airborne Diseases:
Airborne diseases are caused by pathogens that can be transmitted through the air via droplets, dust, or aerosols. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets containing pathogens are released into the air and can be inhaled by others.
Small Pox (Airborne):
Causative Agent: Variola virus
Transmission: Primarily through airborne droplets from infected person's nose/mouth
Also spreads through direct contact with infected fluids or contaminated objects
Note: Smallpox has been eradicated globally (last case 1977) through vaccination
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
(B) Cholera:
Caused by bacterium Vibrio cholerae
Spreads through contaminated water and food (fecal-oral route)
Not airborne
(C) Plague:
Caused by bacterium Yersinia pestis
Spreads through flea bites (from infected rats) or direct contact
Pneumonic plague can spread through airborne droplets, but bubonic plague (most common form) is not airborne
Primary transmission is through fleas/rodents
(D) Rickets:
Not an infectious disease
Caused by Vitamin D deficiency
Leads to softening/weakening of bones in children
Cannot spread from person to person
Examples of Airborne Diseases:
Common cold (rhinovirus)
Influenza (flu)
Tuberculosis (TB)
Measles
Chickenpox
COVID-19
Final Answer: Small Pox
