Final answer:
Mal de ojo is a cultural belief in the evil eye, thought to cause harm when an envious or malicious person looks at a child. It is associated with various symptoms and cured with charms or rituals. This condition is distinct from medical issues such as malnutrition and viral infections which are real health threats to children.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mal de ojo refers to the belief in the evil eye, a supernatural condition thought to cause harm, particularly to children. This condition is commonly found in various cultures around the world, where it is believed that if someone with malice or envy gazes upon a child, the child may suffer ill effects such as sickness or misfortune. The correct answer to the student's question is option 1) Evil eye. In many societies, protective charms or rituals are used to ward off the evil eye.
To further explain, the evil eye is not scientifically recognized as a cause of illness, unlike environmental factors that can contribute to childhood diseases. For instance, malnutrition and lack of clean water and sanitation can indeed lead to severe health conditions in children, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Moreover, children are also vulnerable to a variety of viral infections, such as conjunctivitis, which can cause a yellowing of the eyes sometimes referred to as jaundiced eyes. However, this is a medical condition rather than a supernatural one and can indicate a liver disorder which requires medical attention.