Delhi, December 6, 2014: Diarrhea among newborns, especially in children below two years of age is common. To combat this condition and save the baby from complications of dehydration rotavirus vaccination is offered to babies. But in Delhi, a dose of this virus took a deadly turn. It was reported that a two-month-old baby lost her life six days after administration of the virus in South Delhi.
The vaccination was given at the Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies at Devli village in Khanpur as part of phase-III of the trial programme for rotavirus vaccination on 28th November, 2014. The parents of the baby named Iqra allege that her health started deteriorating soon after the vaccination.
The initial signs of distress
Afsana, Iqra s mother told a widely read English daily explaining the tragedy that struck the family, Iqra became quiet after returning from the vaccination centre. She got fever and loose motions, and kept crying constantly. We tried to contact the doctors involved in the process, but could not reach any of them. On Friday morning, she started frothing from the mouth and nose. She died before we could take her to the hospital. (Read:Vaccines for polio, Rubella and Rotavirus now become universal)
Soon after the incident the father informed the police who initiated a post-mortem to ascertain the cause of the death. We have not registered a case so far. We are awaiting the post-mortem report to ascertain the exact cause of her death and will take action based on that, said a police officer.
The vaccine protects children from rotavirus, the leading cause behind diarrhoea among infants and children. An official added that those belonging to the weaker sections of society are given the vaccination for free along with a mobile phone, a blanket and Rs 500. In reality the cost of the vaccination can range up to Rs 2000. (Read: Rotavirus vaccine can reduce 26,985 deaths in India)
Investigations so far
A representative from Centre conducting the programme told The Hindu: The girl was vaccinated on November 28 along with several other children. We had warned the parents about the side-effects and had given them some medicines in case the child falls ill. We have also given a mobile phone to all the parents so that they can contact us in case of an emergency. The family lives in Jaitpur village of South-East Delhi and was advised by the people from healthcare institute to get their child vaccinated.
I am not literate and have no idea about the vaccination. Some people from an organisation came to my house and told me that when my daughter becomes two-month-old, I should take her to the clinic and get her vaccinated. They gave us a mobile phone, Rs.500, and a blanket after the vaccination, Afsana added.
T.S. Rao, Senior Advisor, Department of Biotechnology, said: Our fact-finding team in the area is looking into the matter. We are not trying to hide anything. If there is anything wrong with the way the child was given the vaccination, action will be taken.
Read more about Rotavirus infection in babies causes, symptoms and treatment
Why there should be a strict probe
It is amusing to hear that each family was given a mobile phone, a blanket and Rs 500 after the vaccination for a trial programme for rotavirus which is in phase-III. Moreover the drive targeted people from the lower sect of the society. Was there an ulterior motive for this drive? How could a government run hospital provide with so many freebies for a vaccination that is priced high in the market? These questions leave us baffled.
Photo source: Getty images
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