Riya Baibhawi

Can Polio Make a Comeback in India? It Is Highly Unlikely, Says Expert

Polio

After being declared polio-free in 2014, India’s robust vaccination programs have kept the disease at bay for nearly a decade. Yet, recent reports of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/polio">polio</a>virus</span> detection in Meghalaya have reignited concerns over a potential resurgence. Dr Sanjay Siddharth sheds light on the current scenario and whether India truly faces a renewed threat from this crippling disease.

<h2>Understanding <span rel="noindex">Polio</span> and Vaccine-Induced Risks</h2>

The primary strategy behind India’s polio eradication was the widespread administration of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). The OPV contains a weakened version of the live virus or only its antigenic part. While this vaccine has proven highly effective, Dr Siddharth explains that there is always a small risk of the virus mutating and causing what is known as vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV). In fact, 4-5% of VDPV cases occur in approximately one million children vaccinated with OPV, highlighting this inherent risk.

Although India eradicated wild poliovirus, cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus have been consistently detected, with around 100-150 cases reported annually. Dr Siddharth emphasizes that while these cases exist, they typically only become dangerous in individuals with compromised immunity. "The risk of serious mutation and spread mainly affects people whose immune systems are weakened by conditions like HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which severely impairs immunity," he notes.

Dr Siddharth suggests that a key solution lies in supplementing the OPV with injectable vaccines (IPV), which contain a killed virus, offering a safer alternative. Western countries widely use injectable vaccines to mitigate the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus, but resource constraints make it challenging to implement this on a large scale in India, Africa, and other parts of Southeast Asia. This limitation leaves vulnerable populations exposed to potential outbreaks.

<h2>Is India Really at Risk?</h2>Despite these concerns, the likelihood of a significant polio resurgence in India remains low, thanks to the country’s strong herd immunity built through years of sustained vaccination drives under the Pulse Polio Programme. "India’s vaccination coverage stands at an impressive 90-95%, and the mandatory surveillance measures further reduce the risk," Dr. Siddharth explains. 

However, he warns that regions like Pakistan and parts of Africa face higher risks due to lower vaccination rates and less stringent surveillance. In India, continued vigilance is crucial, especially as the virus can target those with pre-existing neurological diseases or compromised immune systems.

Poliovirus primarily affects the nervous system, leading to muscle degeneration and, in severe cases, paralysis. It is a static disease, meaning its symptoms are stable once manifested, but the long-term effects are devastating.

India’s battle against polio is far from over. While the country enjoys a relatively safe status due to high vaccination rates and a robust monitoring system, there is no room for complacency. Dr Siddharth underscores the importance of integrating injectable vaccines with ongoing oral vaccination programs to ensure that no one, especially the immunocompromised, is left vulnerable to this preventable yet debilitating disease.

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After being declared polio-free in 2014, India’s robust vaccination programs have kept the disease at bay for nearly a decade. Yet, recent reports of poliovirus detection in Meghalaya have reignited concerns over a potential resurgence. Dr Sanjay Siddharth sheds light on the current scenario and whether India truly faces a renewed threat from this crippling disease.Understanding Polio and Vaccine-Induced RisksThe primary strategy behind India’s polio eradication was the widespread administration of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). The OPV contains a weakened version of the live virus or only its antigenic part. While this vaccine has proven highly effective, Dr Siddharth explains that there is always a small risk of the virus mutating and causing what is known as vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV). In fact, 4-5% of VDPV cases occur in approximately one million children vaccinated with OPV, highlighting this inherent risk.Although India eradicated wild poliovirus, cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus have been consistently detected, with around 100-150 cases reported annually. Dr Siddharth emphasizes that while these cases exist, they typically only become dangerous in individuals with compromised immunity. "The risk of serious mutation and spread mainly affects people whose immune systems are weakened by conditions like HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which severely impairs immunity," he notes.Role of Injectable VaccinesDr Siddharth suggests that a key solution lies in supplementing the OPV with injectable vaccines (IPV), which contain a killed virus, offering a safer alternative. Western countries widely use injectable vaccines to mitigate the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus, but resource constraints make it challenging to implement this on a large scale in India, Africa, and other parts of Southeast Asia. This limitation leaves vulnerable populations exposed to potential outbreaks.Is India Really at Risk?Despite these concerns, the likelihood of a significant polio resurgence in India remains low, thanks to the country’s strong herd immunity built through years of sustained vaccination drives under the Pulse Polio Programme. "India’s vaccination coverage stands at an impressive 90-95%, and the mandatory surveillance measures further reduce the risk," Dr. Siddharth explains. However, he warns that regions like Pakistan and parts of Africa face higher risks due to lower vaccination rates and less stringent surveillance. In India, continued vigilance is crucial, especially as the virus can target those with pre-existing neurological diseases or compromised immune systems.Poliovirus primarily affects the nervous system, leading to muscle degeneration and, in severe cases, paralysis. It is a static disease, meaning its symptoms are stable once manifested, but the long-term effects are devastating.Path ForwardIndia’s battle against polio is far from over. While the country enjoys a relatively safe status due to high vaccination rates and a robust monitoring system, there is no room for complacency. Dr Siddharth underscores the importance of integrating injectable vaccines with ongoing oral vaccination programs to ensure that no one, especially the immunocompromised, is left vulnerable to this preventable yet debilitating disease.