The National Institute of Health (NIH) has reported the detection of poliovirus in sewage samples taken from Lahore, raising concerns about the spread of the highly infectious disease. The samples, collected from the Gulshan Ravi Disposal Station on August 7, have tested positive for the poliovirus.
In response to this alarming discovery, the polio eradication program has announced an upcoming vaccination campaign targeting specific areas to immunize children under the age of five. The program is urging parents to ensure that their children receive the necessary vaccinations in order to prevent the further spread of the virus.
This recent development follows the confirmation of another polio case in Pakistan on August 23, involving a 29-month-old girl in Hyderabad’s Liaquat Colony Pretabad. This brings the total number of polio cases reported in Pakistan this year to 16, with 11 cases emerging from Balochistan and the third case in Sindh. Officials in Sindh have indicated that the affected child is malnourished, and they are currently investigating her vaccination status.
The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication has highlighted the widespread risk of polio infection, stating that the virus has now been detected in 62 districts across the country, affecting 16 children so far this year. This underscores the ongoing threat of polio to children in these communities and nationwide.
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