Poliovirus Detected in Sewage Samples Across Seven Districts in Pakistan

Islamabad: Recent tests on sewage samples in Pakistan have confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in seven districts, signaling persistent challenges in the country’s efforts to eradicate the disease.

According to Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health identified WPV1 in environmental samples collected from July 1 to July 3 in Hangu, Karachi Keamari, Chaman, Pishin, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, and Lahore. All detected strains are genetically linked to the YB3A genetic cluster, a prevalent strain in this year’s cases.

The report highlights the ongoing risk poliovirus poses to children under five, especially in the 51 districts where the virus has been detected this year. The Pakistan Polio Programme has already conducted six polio vaccination campaigns, including two nationwide efforts that immunized over 40 million children.

The Polio Programme emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and vaccination to combat this incurable disease, which can cause permanent paralysis in children. It calls on all parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine at every available opportunity and complete all routine vaccinations to protect against various childhood diseases.

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