Polio cases increase in Pakistan as 12 more reported

ISLAMABAD: A six-year-old boy from Chakwal, Punjab, has been diagnosed with polio, marking the first case reported in Punjab this year. This comes as the total number of confirmed cases in Pakistan rises to 12, with new cases emerging in Balochistan and Sindh.

The boy, who became paralyzed on July 16, 2024, was found to be infected with Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1). This case was confirmed by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad.

Additionally, two new cases were confirmed on August 3, from Jhal Magsi and Killa Abdullah in Balochistan. These cases involve a three-year-old from Jhal Magsi and a 1.5-year-old from Killa Abdullah. The Jhal Magsi case, which showed symptoms on July 5, is linked to a virus strain found in Usta Muhammad, while the Killa Abdullah case, symptomatic since June 10, is under genetic analysis.

Environmental samples have also detected WPV1 in several districts, including Islamabad, Karachi East, Karachi Keamari, and Multan. These samples indicate that the virus is present in areas previously affected by polio.

Epidemiologists highlight that challenges such as local protests, security issues, and vaccine hesitancy have disrupted vaccination campaigns, particularly in Balochistan. Despite these efforts, environmental samples from multiple districts continue to test positive for polio, with Karachi East and Korangi seeing significant virus activity.