**Core Concept**
International surveillance is a critical component of global disease monitoring and control, particularly for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains a list of diseases under international surveillance to facilitate early detection, rapid response, and collaboration among countries.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The WHO has designated certain diseases as being under international surveillance due to their potential for global spread, severe impact on public health, and/or significant economic burden. These diseases include influenza pandemics, SARS, MERS-CoV, and others. The WHO uses a tiered system to categorize diseases based on their risk and potential impact.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because while HIV/AIDS is a significant global health concern, it is not typically considered a disease under international surveillance in the same category as influenza pandemics or SARS.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because while malaria is a major public health issue, it is not a disease that is typically under international surveillance in the same way as emerging infectious diseases like SARS or MERS-CoV.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because while tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health concern, it is not typically considered a disease under international surveillance in the same category as emerging infectious diseases like SARS or MERS-CoV.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The WHO's International Health Regulations (IHR) require countries to report certain diseases to the WHO within 24 hours of detection, facilitating rapid global response and collaboration.
**Correct Answer: C. SARS**
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.