Three-Year-Old Dies Shortly: In a tragic incident in Bhimra village, Kangti mandal, Sangareddy district, a three-year-old boy died shortly after receiving polio drops as part of the ongoing vaccination drive. The child, born to Swarnalatha and Umakanth after three daughters, reportedly fell ill within 20 minutes of the vaccination and could not be saved. The body has been shifted to the government hospital in Narayankhed for postmortem examination.
According to local sources, the boy started crying continuously and vomiting soon after Asha workers Roja, Samudra, and Swaroopa administered the polio drops. The parents immediately rushed him to the area hospital in Kangti, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Medical authorities confirmed that the polio vaccination drive in the region was being conducted at 50 centres under the Kangti hospital limits, covering over 100 children at each sub-centre.
Dr. Nagamani, Medical Officer at Kangti Primary Health Centre, stated, “As part of the polio vaccination drive, drops were administered to 103 children at the Digulwadi sub-centre by trained Asha workers. Normally, drops are not given to children who are crying or have a fever. The boy received the drops without any issue and passed away only after returning home. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the postmortem.”
Details of the Incident
- Location: Bhimra village, Kangti mandal, Sangareddy district
- Child’s Age: 3 years
- Parents: Swarnalatha and Umakanth
- Time of Death: Within 20 minutes of receiving polio drops
- Medical Response: Rushed to Kangti area hospital; declared dead
- Postmortem: Conducted at government hospital, Narayankhed
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Vaccination Drive Context
The polio vaccination drive in Kangti mandal is part of India’s ongoing national polio eradication program, aiming to immunize all children under five years of age. According to Dr. Nagamani:
- Polio drops were administered at 50 centres under Kangti hospital jurisdiction.
- Vaccinations are handled by trained Asha workers with over 18 years of experience.
- Precautions include not administering drops to children who are crying or have a fever.
Dr. Nagamani also mentioned that another child developed diarrhoea, but that condition existed prior to the vaccination, and the child was advised to be brought to the hospital for further treatment.
Authorities’ Statement
Officials have assured that the incident is being thoroughly investigated. The postmortem report will determine the exact cause of death, and findings will be shared with the parents and public. The vaccination drive will continue as planned, with increased monitoring to ensure safety protocols are strictly followed.
Importance of Polio Vaccination
Polio remains a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to permanent paralysis or death if left unvaccinated. India has made significant progress in eradicating polio, but continued vaccination is essential to prevent outbreaks. Health authorities emphasize:
- Polio drops are safe when administered under proper medical supervision.
- Children should be monitored closely after receiving the vaccine.
- Immediate medical attention should be sought if a child shows adverse reactions.
Conclusion
The sudden death of the three-year-old boy in Bhimra village is a tragic reminder of the importance of vigilance during vaccination drives. While such incidents are extremely rare, they underline the need for careful monitoring and adherence to safety protocols.
Health authorities continue to stress the safety and necessity of polio vaccination in preventing debilitating diseases. Parents are encouraged to participate actively in vaccination programs while staying alert for any post-vaccination symptoms.
The postmortem report will provide clarity on the cause of death, helping authorities prevent similar occurrences in the future and ensuring the ongoing vaccination campaign remains safe for all children.
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FAQs
1. Is the polio vaccine safe for children?
Yes, the polio vaccine is generally safe and has been instrumental in eradicating polio from India. Adverse reactions are extremely rare, and trained health workers follow strict protocols to minimize risks.
2. What should parents do after their child receives the polio drops?
Parents should monitor their child for any unusual symptoms such as vomiting, continuous crying, fever, or difficulty breathing. If any adverse signs appear, immediate medical attention should be sought.
3. How common are adverse reactions to polio drops?
Severe adverse reactions are very rare. Most children may experience minor symptoms like slight fever or mild irritability, which usually resolve on their own.
4. Why is the postmortem important in such cases?
A postmortem helps determine the exact cause of death, ensuring transparency and enabling health authorities to take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
5. Will the polio vaccination drive continue after this incident?
Yes, the vaccination drive will continue. Authorities emphasize that polio vaccination is crucial to prevent outbreaks, and enhanced safety measures are being implemented to protect children during the campaign.