Ghaziabad health authorities on Wednesday initiated a special surveillance and field survey campaign across 12 urban primary health centre areas after a sewage sample collected from the Dundahera Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) tested positive for vaccine-derived poliovirus type-1.
Detection and Response
According to officials, the virus was detected in a sample taken from the Dundahera pumping station during routine monitoring. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Sachin clarified that the detected virus was vaccine-derived and non-virulent, and it does not pose any serious threat to public health.
"The oral polio vaccine contains a live but weakened virus, which can be detected in some circumstances," he said. "There is no need to panic," the CMO added.
Coordination and Monitoring
He further stated that the situation is being closely monitored in coordination with the state and central governments, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO). As part of precautionary measures, the health department has identified 12 affected and neighbouring areas for an intensive survey covering nearly 1.25 lakh residents.
Deployment of Health Teams
More than 107 health teams have been deployed to carry out door-to-door screening of children under five years of age, officials said. The campaign aims to ensure early detection and prevention of any potential spread, while reassuring the public that the detected virus is not harmful.
Residents are urged to cooperate with health workers and maintain hygiene practices. The health department continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
