Recently, the presence of ‘Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus-VDPV’ was found during ‘Environmental Surveillance of Sewage Samples’ in Kolkata.
Most likely it has increased manifold due to lack of immunity. This is not a case of human-to-human polio transfer.
VDPV is a variant of weakened poliovirus, it was initially included in OPV (Oral Polio Virus Vaccine) and which mutated over time and behaves like wild or naturally occurring virus.
Today Current Affairs
What is polio?
Polio is a disabling and potentially fatal viral infectious disease that affects the nervous system.
There are mainly three distinct strains of the polio virus immunologically:
Wild Polio Virus 1 (WPV1)
Wild Polio Virus 2 (WPV2)
Wild Polio Virus 3 (WPV3)
All three strains are characteristically similar and can cause paralysis and death.
Although there are genetic and virological differences, making these three strains distinct viruses, each needs to be eliminated singly.
Spreading : The Hindu Analysis
This virus is mainly transmitted from person to person through the ‘faecal-oral route’ or through contaminated water or food.
It mainly affects children under the age of 5. The virus increases in number in the intestine, where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis.
Symptoms : The Hindu Analysis
Most people with polio do not feel sick. In some people only minor symptoms are found, such as- fever, fatigue, nausea, headache, pain in hands and feet etc.
In rare cases, polio infection causes permanent loss of muscle function (paralysis).
Polio can be fatal if the muscles used for breathing become paralyzed or if there is an infection in the brain.
Prevention and cure : The Hindu Analysis
There is no cure but it can be prevented by vaccination.
Vaccination : The Hindu Analysis
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): It is given at birth during institutional delivery, followed by three primary doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks and a booster dose at 16-24 months of age.
Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV): This is given as an additional dose with the third dose of DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).
Recent Outbreaks : The Hindu Analysis
In 2019, polio outbreaks were reported in the Philippines, Malaysia, Ghana, Myanmar, China, Cameroon, Indonesia and Iran, which were mostly vaccine-derived, in which a rare strain of the virus is genetically mutated from the strain in the vaccine.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if the virus is excreted and allowed to circulate in an unimmunized or less-immunized population for at least 12 months, it can cause infection.
India and Polio : The Hindu Analysis
India got polio-free certification by WHO in the year 2014 after zero cases during three years.
This achievement is inspired by the successful Pulse Polio campaign in which all children were administered polio medicine.
The last case of wild polio virus in the country was reported on January 13, 2011.
Polio Eradication Measures:
Global Polio Eradication Initiative : The Hindu Analysis
It was launched by national governments and WHO under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in the year 1988. Currently 80% of the world’s population is polio free.
An estimated 1.5 million neonatal deaths have been prevented through systematic administration of vitamin A during polio vaccination activities.
World Polio Day : The Hindu Analysis
It is observed every year on 24 October to call upon countries to be vigilant in their fight against the disease.
India:
Pulse Polio Program : The Hindu Analysis
It was started with the aim of achieving 100% coverage under the oral polio vaccine.
Intensive Mission Indradhanush 2.0 : The Hindu Analysis
It was a nationwide vaccination campaign launched to commemorate 25 years of Pulse Polio Program (Year 2019-20).
Universal Immunization Programme : The Hindu Analysis
It was started in the year 1985 with amendment in ‘Expanded Program of Immunization’.
Objectives of this program include rapid increase in vaccination coverage, improvement in quality of services, establishment of a reliable cold chain system at the health facility level, achieving self-sufficiency in vaccine production, etc.
Here we mention all information about Polio virus Today Current Affairs.
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