Current Affairs Questions for CLAT | QB Set 3

A rare hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch expedition ship MV Hondius has raised global concern after three passengers died and eight others were infected. The ship, carrying 149 passengers and crew from 23 countries, included two Indian crew members whose health status remains unknown. Authorities believe the outbreak began during a birdwatching tour in Ushuaia, Argentina, where passengers may have inhaled particles from infected rodent droppings. The outbreak involved the Andes strain of hantavirus, which can spread through very close human contact. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring the situation while European countries conduct contact tracing. Experts have stated that the overall public health risk remains low, but the long incubation period of the virus continues to worry health authorities. The incident has also highlighted concerns regarding underdiagnosis of hantavirus infections in countries like India.

1. Hantavirus mainly spreads to humans through:

A. Mosquito bites
B. Contaminated water
C. Rodent urine, saliva, and droppings
D. Direct sunlight exposure

Answer: C. Rodent urine, saliva, and droppings

Explanation:
Hantavirus is mainly spread through infected rodents. Humans may become infected by inhaling air contaminated with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.

2. Which strain of hantavirus was linked to the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius?

A. Andes strain
B. Delta strain
C. Nipah strain
D. Zika strain

Answer: A. Andes strain

Explanation:
The outbreak on the MV Hondius was linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is notable because it can spread between humans through very close contact.

3. According to the report, what was the suspected source of the hantavirus outbreak on the ship?

A. Contaminated drinking water on board
B. Exposure to infected rodent particles during a birdwatching tour
C. Seafood consumed on the ship
D. Infected air-conditioning systems

Answer: B. Exposure to infected rodent particles during a birdwatching tour

Explanation:
Argentine investigators believe passengers inhaled microscopic particles from infected rodent droppings during a birdwatching tour in Ushuaia.

4. Which organisation was monitoring the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius?

A. UNICEF
B. International Maritime Organization
C. Red Cross
D. World Health Organisation (WHO)

Answer: D. World Health Organisation (WHO)

Explanation:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) was alerted after multiple infections and deaths were reported on the ship and continued monitoring the situation closely.

5. Why is hantavirus considered difficult to diagnose in countries like India?

A. Its symptoms resemble diseases like dengue and leptospirosis
B. It spreads only in remote forests
C. It can only be detected through surgery
D. It immediately causes kidney failure

Answer: A. Its symptoms resemble diseases like dengue and leptospirosis

Explanation:
The report states that hantavirus symptoms often resemble other common infections such as dengue and leptospirosis, which can lead to underdiagnosis.