Polio-Free but Not Risk-Free: The Ongoing Fight Against Polio

The recent polio case reported in Meghalaya, India, underscores the persistent threat of poliomyelitis and the importance of ongoing vigilance. Polio, a highly contagious viral disease transmitted primarily through the faecal-oral route, targets children under five, often leading to irreversible paralysis or even death in severe cases. Despite decades of progress and India’s polio-free status, the disease remains a global health risk, and India must maintain high immunization rates to prevent a resurgence.

Dr Nitin Chawla, Chief of Pediatrics, KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad..