Correct Answer :   October 24

World Polio Day is celebrated every year on October 24 to create awareness around the importance of polio vaccination to protect children. Oral polio vaccine is highly effective in protection from polio.

History of World Polio Day : In the year 1988, there were around 3.5 lakh polio cases worldwide and the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate the poliovirus. In 2002, WHO European Region was declared polio-free and from that time on October 24 every year, the World Polio Day is celebrated annually.


Polio vaccines :

Oral polio vaccine (OPV) :

OPV produces antibodies in the blood and provides shield against all three types of poliovirus. In the event of infection, it protects the individual against polio paralysis by preventing the spread of poliovirus to the nervous system.

Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) :

It is an injectable vaccine and can be either administered alone or along with other vaccines (e.g., diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenza). Generally, three spaced doses are given to generate adequate levels of seroconversion. A booster dose is added during late childhood for polio prevention.


Polio symptoms :

Most people affected by polio virus are asymptomatic and do not show any symptoms. While 1 out of 4 people suffering from polio develop mild symptoms like sore throat, fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, and stomach pain. A few people with this virus can develop serious complications of brain and spinal cords like meningitis, paralysis or weakness in arms or legs..

Source : Hindustan Times