Medical experts dispel polio resurgence fears in Kolkata
India Today
Medical experts on Wednesday dispelled the fears of the citizens regarding the resurfacing of the polio virus that had been eradicated eight years ago. They examined the virus found in the sewage in Kolkata and found it inactive.
Fears that the dreaded polio virus has resurfaced after being eradicated eight years ago were dispelled by medical experts who examined the virus found in the sewage in Kolkata and found it inactive.
According to health ministry sources, Vaccine derived Polio virus was detected in the environmental surveillance of sewage and not Wild polio virus.
The National Institute of Virology Mumbai did the genetic sequencing, the sources said.
It can occur in any country where Oral Polio vaccine is given.
A senior official of the West Bengal Health department said the virus found in the sewage of Borough No 15 in the city's Metiabruz area is Vaccine derived Polio virus and is not threatening.
There is nothing to worry since it is not a Wild polio virus, the health official said.
A Vaccine derived Polio virus is not capable of infecting anyone unlike a Wild polio virus.
