Which one of the following is not a non-communicable disease?

Question

Accepted Answer

The question asks to identify which of the given options is *not* a non-communicable disease. This means we are looking for a communicable disease.

Here's the explanation:

**Justification for Option 4 (Cholera) being the correct answer:**

*   **Cholera** is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with *Vibrio cholerae* bacteria. It is typically spread through contaminated water or food, often due to poor sanitation and hygiene. Because it is caused by an infectious agent (bacteria) and can be transmitted from person to person (indirectly through contaminated sources) or from the environment to a person, it is classified as a **communicable disease**. Therefore, Cholera is *not* a non-communicable disease, making Option 4 the correct answer.

**Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

*   **1. Arthritis:** Arthritis refers to inflammation of one or more joints. Common types include osteoarthritis (due to wear and tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease). Arthritis is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be transmitted from one person to another. It is a chronic condition often linked to genetics, age, injury, or autoimmune factors. Thus, Arthritis is a **non-communicable disease**.
*   **2. Rickets:** Rickets is a condition that affects bone development in children, leading to soft and weak bones. It is primarily caused by a severe and prolonged deficiency of Vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphate. Rickets is a nutritional deficiency disease and is not caused by an infectious agent, nor is it transmissible between individuals. Thus, Rickets is a **non-communicable disease**.
*   **3. Hypertension:** Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. It is often influenced by lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, lack of exercise, stress), genetics, and other underlying health conditions. Hypertension is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Thus, Hypertension is a **non-communicable disease**.

In summary, Arthritis, Rickets, and Hypertension are all non-communicable diseases, while Cholera is a communicable disease. Therefore, Cholera is the one that is *not* a non-communicable disease.