The WHO registry doesn't include data on all types of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV) cases, specifically immune-deficiency associated VDPV (iVDPV) and ambiguous VDPV (aVDPV).
VDPV occurs when the weakened poliovirus in the oral polio vaccine (OPV) mutates and regains the ability to cause illness
WHO delayed reporting a VDPV case detected in India, despite having the information for several months.
WHO is not transparent about the number of iVDPV cases and their potential risks.
Potential Risks:
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) can sometimes cause polio in vaccinated children (Vaccine-Associated Paralytic Polio, VAPP).
iVDPV Risks: Immunocompromised individuals can become long-term carriers of iVDPV, posing a risk of reintroducing polio.
Lack of transparency about iVDPV cases hinders the global polio eradication effort.
Overall, WHO's incomplete and delayed reporting of polio cases, particularly iVDPV cases, raises concerns about the effectiveness of the global polio eradication initiative and the potential risks to public health.
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