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Despite fresh polio cases, India optimistic on eradication
India, Jun 08, 2007As many as 15 cases of polio have emerged in Bihar, India, despite the administration of oral polio drops. The cause of the ineffectiveness of the polio drops is uncertain pending further research, but could possibly be due to poor quality polio drops or resistance developed by the polio virus, according to Bihar Health Minister Chandra Mohan Rai on Wednesday (June 6). Notwithstanding these concerns, India is optimistic it will eliminate polio by 2008. Only 60 cases of polio have been reported thus far this year. In 2006 an epidemic infected 676 Indians, which was a tenfold rise over 2005. Health ministers from 10 high-risk states met June 6 to discuss polio eradication strategies. Meeting chair and health minister Anbumani Ramadoss stated, "We are very optimistic that this year we will be having the least number of cases, and by next year we will have zero cases." World Health Organization (WHO) epidemiologist David Heymann said this target is possible "with extremely effective campaigns and with good luck." Heymann expects a large drop in polio this year following last year's epidemic as the affected communities acquire immunity against the polio virus. Polio is highly infectious and can cause total paralysis within hours, with children being especially susceptible. More common symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and stiffness. WHO aimed to rid the planet of polio by 2000, but aside from India, polio is also still endemic in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. :tiphat: http://pdmin.coe-dmha.org/apdr/inde...D=99&news=22400&pubDate=2007-06-08 00:00:00.0
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