Click to play videoBangalore: Rumours mongering sparked panic in Bangalore. A local TV channel reported that a child had died after being given polio drops at a government hospital.
Worried parents rushed to get their children checked following rumours of a child's death after administration of polio drops. The rumour spread like wildfire and very soon all the hospitals in the city were jam-packed.
However, the state health department has rubbished the rumours.
"We had a tough time last night convincing people that no untoward incident has been reported in any corner of the state. Around 60,00,000 children were covered on Sunday under the program. Some miscreant who was probably affected by mental polio suddenly spread this kind of rumour," said Commissioner, Health and Family welfare department, P N Acharya.
Adding to the panic were reports in a local television channel that the polio drops were causing diarrhea, vomiting and fever. The rumour spread so fast that within minutes several hospitals like the Bowring Hospital were flooded with worried parents.
And unable to meet doctors, the angry public smashed windows. The city police which investigated the rumour say there is no need to worry.
"We have checked up every single area in the city, there has not been an single incident, forget a causality," said DCP, east Bangalore, B K Singh.
Doctors now say that during winter there could be a possibility of common fever developing after polio drops are administered. And there is nothing to worry about.
The worry of parents is understandable. But many say at least the media should have exercised restrain before reporting such rumours.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)
 |
 |
 |
|
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.