Question

Diseases are broadly grouped into infectious and non-infectious diseases. In the list given below, identify infectious diseases.
I. Cancer
II. Influenza
III. Allergy
IV. Smallpox
A. I and II
B. II and III
C. III and IV
D. II and IV

Answer 1

Hint: Infectious diseases spread from one person to another and Non-infectious diseases do not transmit from one person to another. Moreover, viral diseases spread from one person to another so they are called infectious diseases.

Complete answer:
Cancer –
Cancer is the formation of a painless lump or mass of the tissue that is also known as the tumor. It is formed due to the uncontrolled growth of the cells. This occurs because the cells lose their property of contact inhibition and they divide rapidly. Cancer is a non-infectious disease. However, it might be genetic.
Influenza –
Influenza is commonly known as the Flu. It is a highly infectious or contagious disease. It is caused by the Influenza virus. The symptoms are similar to the common cold like coughing, sneezing, fever, headache, body ache, nasal discharge, etc.
Allergy –
It is also known as hypersensitivity. It is caused due to some hyper allergens entering the body. It is an enhanced response of the immune system. It is caused due to the activation of the IgE antibodies. Allergy is a non-infectious disease.
Smallpox –
It is caused by the smallpox virus or the Variola virus. This virus is present in the nasal and the oral discharges of a patient from where it spreads to healthy people while coughing, sneezing, etc. it is therefore a communicable disease. It starts with fever and headache and later on red papules form all over the body. However, smallpox has been completely eradicated from the world.
Thus, Influenza and Smallpox are Infectious diseases.
Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Acquired diseases are broadly classified into two types based on their mode of occurrence. These two types are as follows –
1. Infectious diseases – These are also known as Communicable diseases. They transmit or spread from one person to another very easily through direct or indirect contact.
2. Non-Infectious diseases – These are also known as Non-Communicable diseases. They do not transmit or spread from one person to another by means of direct or indirect contact.