In the wake of paralysis cases being reported among children in California in the US, the Indian Public Health Association (IPHA) has cautioned paediatricians to be more alert as India has only now managed to eradicate polio after a long battle.
The association has issued an alert to public health officials in Tamil Nadu to sensitise paediatricians and district-level health officers to the “polio-like” illness that the children are afflicted with in California, and the follow-up being done by doctors and researchers in that country.
S. Elango, State president, IPHA, told The Hindu on Wednesday that even though there was nothing to panic as such in India, it would be prudent to be “doubly cautious” at this stage since there was every possibility that paralysis syndrome could occur in India.
“Polio was eradicated decades ago in the US. When a polio-like disease was reported in that country, it is a caution to the entire world not to be complacent – especially to India which was certified polio-free only this year. Good flight connectivity between the two countries creates a good chance for the import of that disease,” he said.
He said the role of paediatricians became vital against this backdrop. “This is an emerging infection which could spread fear in the coming days. The research work of the Centre for Disease Control in Atlanta in the US is important for public health administration everywhere,” he added.
Appealing to the Tamil Nadu Health Department to sustain its focus on preventing polio, Dr.Elango, who is a former Director of Public Health, said the IPHA would soon write to the Union Health Ministry and the State governments to undertake more epidemiological studies of paralysis.
“There will be claims and counterclaims on what has happened in California. But, let us admit the fact that a new virus is emerging to cripple children. That calls for intensive surveillance and active participation of paediatricians,” he noted.
He suggested that the Director of Public Health, Tamil Nadu, discuss the issue in the next review meeting with district health officials.