Panic in Srinagar as rumours spread about children dying from polio drops

Hospitals in Srinagar were forced to close their out-patient wards on Sunday after crowds of angry parents arrived following rumours that children were dying after being administered polio drops, reports the Hindustan Times.

The rumours began on social networking sites like WhatsApp and Facebook. Within an hour, hospitals were flooded with angry parents demanding an antidote. Some doctors reported being assaulted.

Authorities believe the rumours were started either as a prank or as an attempt to create trouble in the already trouble-ridden state. They are trying to trace the Facebook pages, WhatsApp groups and other internet sites to see who spread the rumour.

More than 1.95 million children were given the vaccine across the state, and the drops will continue to be administered on Monday and Tuesday. The Centre has asked the state administration to counter this misinformation campaign via radio and TV spots.