Kerala PSC JHI Grade II Question Paper — PYQ Practice

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is nicknamed “hundred‑day cough” because the paroxysmal coughing fits can last for weeks to months. The disease is highly contagious and spreads via respiratory droplets. Symptoms include severe coughing spells followed by a “whoop” sound during inhalation. Vaccination with DPT or Tdap is the main preventive measure. Without treatment, complications such as pneumonia and seizures can occur, especially in infants.

Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, especially Culex tritaeniorhynchus. These mosquitoes breed in rice fields and stagnant water. The virus affects the central nervous system, leading to encephalitis. Children are most vulnerable in endemic areas. Vaccination is the primary preventive strategy. Vector control measures like eliminating breeding sites are also important.

Hepatitis B virus spreads through blood and body fluids. Common routes include transfusions, unsafe injections, sexual contact, and mother‑to‑child transmission. Unlike Hepatitis A and E, it is not spread by faeco‑oral route. Chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Vaccination provides effective protection. Safe practices in healthcare and personal life reduce transmission risk.

DEC is the drug of choice for lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti. It kills microfilariae circulating in blood. Mass drug administration programs use DEC to reduce transmission. It is not effective against malaria or typhoid. Hookworm infections require albendazole or mebendazole. DEC is safe and widely used in endemic regions.

Pleura is a double‑layered membrane surrounding the lungs. The visceral pleura covers the lung surface, while parietal pleura lines the chest wall. Between them is pleural fluid, reducing friction during breathing. Pericardium surrounds the heart, periosteum covers bones, and perichondrium covers cartilage. Pleural diseases include pleurisy and pleural effusion. Thus, pleura is the correct answer.