Which infectious disease is caused by a virus and can cause paralysis; spread via fecal-oral route and by sneezing or coughing?

Which infectious disease is caused by a virus and can cause paralysis; spread via fecal-oral route and by sneezing or coughing?

• A. Dementia
• B. Poliomyelitis
• C. Seizures
• D. Glaucoma

Answer: (B)

Understanding that this question hinges on a viral disease capable of causing paralysis and having both fecal-oral and respiratory spread helps identify the best answer. Poliomyelitis is caused by the poliovirus, an enterovirus. In some infections, the virus attacks motor neurons in the spinal cord or brainstem, leading to acute flaccid paralysis. It spreads mainly through the fecal-oral route, such as through contaminated water or food, and can also be transmitted by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Vaccination has dramatically reduced polio cases worldwide.

Dementia is a cognitive syndrome, not a viral infectious disease that causes paralysis. Seizures are episodes or symptoms with many potential causes, not a single infectious disease linked to paralysis in this context. Glaucoma is an eye condition unrelated to infection or paralysis.