A recent report from Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills has sent shockwaves through India: a two-year-old child has tested positive for polio. This is surprising because polio, a severe disease that can cause paralysis and even death, has mostly been controlled. Here’s what you need to know about this unusual case and what it means for you.

What’s Happening in Meghalaya?

A two-year-old in West Garo Hills has been diagnosed with polio, but it's not the typical kind you might remember from the past. This case is related to something called a "vaccine-derived" polio virus. Sounds concerning, right? But don’t panic just yet. The health officials say this doesn’t put India’s status as a polio-free country at risk. They’re keeping a close eye to prevent any spread of the virus.

What Is Vaccine-Derived Polio?

So, what does "vaccine-derived" mean? Here’s a breakdown:

Polio Vaccines: A vaccine known as the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), which is a liquid given by mouth.

Rare Issue: ...