Up to 90% of people infected with the poliovirus show no symptoms but can still transmit the virus. Continuous vaccination helps break the chain of transmission, even in the absence of visible cases. New Delhi: Polio, a viral disease that is highly infectious and can even cause paralysis, was once a major cause of concern in India but now, it has been 13 years since the same was eradicated.
The disease could earlier spread through person-to-person contact or the fecal-oral route or by intake of contaminated food or water. And to stay safe, multiple rounds of vaccination were necessary. Doctors say that the infection begins with headaches, fever, fatigue, neck stiffness, limb pain, and sometimes nausea.
One can experience meningitis and paralysis as well. In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Showkat Nazir Wani, Consultant – Neurology at ShardaCare – The Healthcity, spoke about why the vaccination continues to hold relevance in India even after over a decade of being polio-free. Click for more latest Health Conditions news .
Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Simran Arora is a Chief Sub Editor for the health beat at News9. With 6 years of experience in the industry, she looks at news, features and every unique development in the health sector.
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