Baby Dies After Polio Drops in Sangareddy
- An investigation into the death of an infant in Telangana, India, following Pulse Polio vaccination has resolute the death was likely due to a medical condition and not...
- On February 27,2024,the infant received Pulse Polio drops at a vaccination booth around 12:00 PM and was observed for 30 minutes without any immediate adverse reactions.
- The mother reportedly gave the baby a bottle of milk after returning home.
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Infant death Following Polio Vaccination in Telangana: Investigation Finds No Link to Vaccine
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An investigation into the death of an infant in Telangana, India, following Pulse Polio vaccination has resolute the death was likely due to a medical condition and not related to the vaccine itself. The incident occurred on February 27, 2024, prompting a thorough review by health officials.
Timeline of Events
On February 27,2024,the infant received Pulse Polio drops at a vaccination booth around 12:00 PM and was observed for 30 minutes without any immediate adverse reactions. The parents took the baby home, but returned to the booth around 1:00 PM after the baby began crying incessantly and vomited once, according to District Medical and Health officer (DMHO) Dr. naga Nirmala.
The mother reportedly gave the baby a bottle of milk after returning home. an ASHA worker recommended the parents take the baby to the Kangti Primary Health Care (PHC) center. Instead, they took the infant to a private doctor in Kangti around 2:00 PM. the private doctor alerted the Kangti PHC medical officer. Upon examination at the PHC, the baby exhibited signs of distress – blue lips, foam from the nose, and ceased breathing. The baby was declared dead at approximately 2:15 PM.
The body was then transferred to the Narayankhed area hospital for a postmortem examination.
Postmortem Findings and Investigation
The postmortem examination (PME) suggested the cause of death may have been laryngeal spasm (a tightening of the throat), leading to aspiration of food into the lungs. Stomach contents were sent to a laboratory for further analysis, with the final report pending. collector P. Pravinya directed Dr. Naga Nirmala to submit a comprehensive report on the incident.
Officials confirmed that 108 other children were vaccinated with drops from the same vial at the same booth, and no adverse reactions were reported in any of them.
Expert Commentary on Laryngeal Spasm and Aspiration
Laryngeal spasm is an involuntary constriction of the vocal cords, which can obstruct airflow. Mayo Clinic defines it as a temporary inability to breathe, often triggered by irritants or stress. Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or saliva enters the lungs instead of the esophagus. Both conditions can be life-threatening, especially in infants.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a pediatric pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad (speaking generally about such cases, not specifically this incident), explained, “Infants are especially vulnerable to aspiration due to their underdeveloped swallowing reflexes. Laryngeal spasm can be triggered by various factors, including gastroesophageal reflux or even emotional distress.The combination of these factors can be very serious.”