1. Which country has identified a new bat coronavirus named HKU5-CoV-2?
[A] Russia
[B] China
[C] Australia
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
Scientists at Wuhan Institute of Virology, China, discovered a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2. The virus shares similarities with SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to human ACE2 receptors, but its ability to spread among humans is uncertain. The virus belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, related to Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), but its severity in humans remains unknown.
2. Recently, which organization has launched a new network for coronaviruses, CoViNet?
[A] World Bank
[B] WHO
[C] WTO
[D] UNICEF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [WHO]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched CoViNet, a global network of laboratories specializing in human, animal, and environmental coronavirus surveillance. It aims to detect and monitor emerging coronaviruses, including potential novel strains, enhancing risk assessment and informing WHO policies. CoViNet will expand surveillance capabilities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to monitor MERS-CoV and other significant coronaviruses, contributing to global public health preparedness.
3. A recently discovered coronavirus variant named Eris, also known as EG.5.1, is rapidly spreading in which country?
[A] Germany
[B] Italy
[C] USA
[D] UK
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [UK]
Notes:
A recently discovered coronavirus variant named Eris, also known as EG.5.1, is rapidly spreading throughout the United Kingdom, causing concern among health authorities.
This variant, which originated from the highly transmissible Omicron variant, was initially identified in the country last month.
4. With reference to the recent viruses in news, which of the following are RNA viruses?
- Ebola Virus
- Coronavirus
- Adenovirus
- Influenza Virus
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 & 4]
Notes:
Ebola Virus, Coronavirus, and Influenza Virus are all RNA viruses, associated with outbreaks and pandemics. Adenovirus, in contrast, is a DNA virus and is known to cause respiratory and other infections. RNA viruses are characterized by their genetic material made of RNA, distinguishing them from DNA viruses like the Adenovirus.
5. Consider the following statements:
- GISAID Initiative promotes the rapid sharing of data from all influenza viruses and the coronavirus.
- PREDEMICS aims at providing Preparedness, Prediction and Prevention of Emerging Zoonotic Viruses with Pandemic Potential using Multidisciplinary Approaches.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
The GISAID Initiative facilitates rapid sharing of data on influenza viruses and coronaviruses, including genetic, clinical, and epidemiological information, to aid research on virus evolution and spread. Access to GISAID data is free for users who comply with its Database Access Agreement. Launched in May 2008, GISAID promotes open data sharing. PREDEMICS focuses on the preparedness, prediction, and prevention of emerging zoonotic viruses with pandemic potential, studying viruses like Influenza, Hepatitis E, and Japanese encephalitis in Europe.
6. Consider the following statements:
- Twindemic is a possibility of a severe flu season alongside COVID-19.
- Florona and Delmicron are new mutant variants of coronavirus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
Twindemic refers to the simultaneous occurrence of severe flu and COVID-19 cases during the fall and winter of 2020-2021, potentially leading to co-infection. Florona is a double respiratory infection caused by the presence of both COVID-19 and influenza viruses. Delmicron is not a new variant but a combination of protein spikes from Delta and Omicron.
7. With reference to recent respiratory infections, consider the statements below:
- The first known case was detected in Israel.
- It is not a mutant variant of the coronavirus.
- It involves double respiratory infection caused by two different viruses.
Select the correct condition using the codes given below:
[A] MERS
[B] Florona
[C] SARS
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Florona]
Notes:
Florona is a case of double respiratory infection involving simultaneous infection by the COVID-19 virus and influenza virus. It is not a mutant variant of coronavirus. The first reported case occurred in Israel. MERS and SARS are distinct coronaviruses causing single infections, not mixed infections with influenza.
8. Consider the following statements regarding Marburg Virus Disease (MVD):
- Rousettus fruit-bats are considered the natural hosts for the Marburg virus.
- There is a World Health Organization (WHO) approved antiviral treatment or vaccine for MVD.
- Marburg virus, like coronavirus, is a filovirus.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Rousettus fruit-bats are indeed the natural hosts of Marburg virus (Statement 1). Marburg is a filovirus, but coronavirus belongs to a different family (so Statement 3 is incorrect). There is currently no WHO-approved antiviral treatment or vaccine for MVD (Statement 2 is incorrect). Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.
9. Which country has announced to donate 1 million coronavirus vaccines to the U.N.-backed COVAX programme?
[A] Russia
[B] Israel
[C] India
[D] France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Israel]
Notes:
The Israeli government has announced to donate 1 million coronavirus vaccines to the U.N.-backed COVAX programme.
Italy’s Foreign Ministry said the AstraZeneca vaccines would be transferred in the coming weeks. This decision is seen as a part of Israel’s strengthening ties with the African countries. Israel has close ties with several African nations, including Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Last year, Israel established relations with Sudan.
10. The C.1.2 variant of the Coronavirus disease, was first reported in which country?
[A] China
[B] South Africa
[C] India
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [South Africa]
Notes:
- The C.1.2 variant of the Coronavirus disease was first reported from South Africa.
- The variant has now spread to at least six countries, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- As per the Indian Government, India has no cases of the new C.1.2 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) variant detected so far.
- The public health body of the United Nations (UN) announced that it was monitoring the new C.1.2 virus strain.
