20 children sick after taking polio vaccine

They are now undergoing treatment in several hospitals and clinics in the town.

Of them, condition of Eram Ali, 4, son of Rafikal Islam and Santona Rani, 4, daughter of Dr Suresh Singh in the town are critical. The two babies are now undergoing treatment at Aviceena Hospital.

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Talking to this correspondent, some victims' families said, their children fell sick within half an hour after taking polio vaccine administered by government health workers.

They started vomiting and had pain in the belly. All the victims showed the same symptoms, it was gathered.

When asked, Dr. Sohel Akhter of Sadar hospital said these are symptoms of food poisoning.

Eran Ali took the vaccine at Sirajganj Sadar Hospital while Santona took it at the Mother's Club in the town, their parents said.

Hospital sources said the affected children are suffering from pain in belly, which might have been caused by food poisoning.

This correspondent visited three affected children at Community Hospital, one at Sadar Hoppital and two children at Moyenuddin Memorial Hospital in the town.

When asked, Civil Surgeon Dr Mizanur Rahman said, "We are investigating the matter. A team is working. Nothing can be said before they complete the investigation".