In light of fresh proof of potential “community spread” of the dangerous virus, New York state health officials issued a more urgent call Thursday for unvaccinated children and adults to get immunised against polio. Health officials reported that the polio virus has now been discovered in seven different wastewater samples from two adjacent counties north of New York City.
Only one person has so far tested positive for polio, an unvaccinated adult who was paralysed in Rockland County.
The state’s health commissioner, Dr. Mary T. Bassett, warned in a statement that, based on previous polio outbreaks, “New Yorkers should know that for every one case of paralytic polio observed, there may be hundreds of other people infected.”
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The Department is treating the lone case of polio as just the tip of a much larger potential spread, coupled with the most recent wastewater findings, “She spoke. “What we already know is crystal clear: polio is still a threat in modern-day New York. In order to combat this situation, we must make sure that all adults, including those who are pregnant, and young children by the age of two have received the necessary immunizations. This is the only reliable defence that every New Yorker needs against this crippling virus.
The person with polio in Rockland County is the nation’s first known case of the disease in nearly ten years. The virus was also found in wastewater samples taken in nearby Orange County in June and July.
More than 20 years after vaccines were made available, polio, once among the most feared diseases in the country, was declared extinct in the US in 1979.
The majority of polio sufferers show no symptoms, but they can still shed the virus for days or weeks and spread it to others. Only a small portion of those who contract the illness experience paralysis. Around 5–10% of paralysed people die from the illness.
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Although polio vaccination is mandated for all students in New York’s public schools, vaccination laws are occasionally not strictly enforced everywhere. Both Orange and Rockland counties are recognised as hotspots for vaccine resistance. By the time they turn two, 79 percent of children statewide have received all four shots against polio. That percentage is 59 percent in Orange County. The percentage is 60% in Rockland.
The wastewater samples from Orange County were initially gathered from municipal wastewater treatment facilities for COVID-19 testing.
Given the low vaccination rates for this crippling disease in some areas of our County, it is alarming that polio, a disease that has been largely eradicated through vaccination, is now present in our community, according to Orange County Health Commissioner Irina Gelman. I beg all unvaccinated Orange County residents to get vaccinated as soon as medically feasible.”
Hema Malini took a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, sharing a light moment with yoga guru Baba Ramdev during the event.
During the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, a light-hearted moment between actress and BJP MP Hema Malini and yoga guru Baba Ramdev has garnered attention. The incident occurred during a holy dip in the Ganges River, a ritual observed by many devotees during the Kumbh.
As Baba Ramdev emerged from the sacred waters, he performed a vigorous hair flip to clear water from his long locks. This dramatic gesture, characteristic of his energetic persona, inadvertently splashed water towards Hema Malini, who was standing nearby. Caught off guard, Hema Malini burst into laughter, adding a spontaneous and joyful touch to the solemn occasion.
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The video capturing this candid interaction quickly spread across social media platforms, with many users appreciating the unscripted display of camaraderie between the two prominent figures. Comments highlighted the human side of public personalities, noting how such moments bridge the gap between celebrities and the general populace.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is a significant religious event attracting millions of pilgrims from around the world. This year’s gathering has seen participation from various dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and celebrities, all coming together to partake in the holy rituals.
Hema Malini, known for her illustrious career in Indian cinema and her role as a parliamentarian, has been actively participating in the events at the Kumbh. She recently recited Sanskrit shlokas and spoke on the significance of Sanatan Dharma during her address at the Maha Kumbh Sabha in Prayagraj.
During the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, a light-hearted moment between actress and BJP MP Hema Malini and yoga guru Baba Ramdev has captured public attention. As both emerged from a holy dip in the Ganges River.
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Baba Ramdev performed a vigorous hair flip to clear water from his long locks. This energetic gesture inadvertently splashed water towards Hema Malini, who was standing nearby. Caught off guard, she burst into laughter, adding a spontaneous and joyful touch to the solemn occasion.
The video capturing this candid interaction quickly spread across social media platforms, with many users appreciating the unscripted display of camaraderie between the two prominent figures. Comments highlighted the human side of public personalities, noting how such moments bridge the gap between celebrities and the general populace.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is a significant religious event attracting millions of pilgrims from around the world. This year’s gathering has seen participation from various dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and celebrities, all coming together to partake in the holy rituals.
Hema Malini, known for her illustrious career in Indian cinema and her role as a parliamentarian, has been actively participating in the events at the Kumbh. She recently recited Sanskrit shlokas and spoke on the significance of Sanatan Dharma during her address at the Maha Kumbh Sabha in Prayagraj.
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Baba Ramdev, a renowned yoga guru and proponent of Ayurveda, to has been a prominent figure at the Kumbh, leading yoga sessions and engaging with devotees. His dynamic presence and enthusiasm have been well-received by attendees.
The shared moment between Hema Malini and Baba Ramdev serves as a reminder of the unity and shared joy that the Kumbh Mela fosters among its participants, transcending social and cultural boundaries.
For a glimpse into Hema Malini’s participation at the Maha Kumbh Sabha, you can watch the following video:
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