Poliovirus detected in 30 environmental samples across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Poliovirus has been confirmed in 30 environmental samples across Pakistan, raising concerns about the persistence of the disease in the country.

The samples, collected from various regions including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, revealed the presence of the poliovirus. Out of these 30 samples, 28 were obtained in January 2024.

In Balochistan, poliovirus was detected in environmental samples from multiple locations, including Quetta, Khuzdar, Kech, Nasirabad, Pishin, and Chaman.

Sindh, particularly Karachi, faced a concerning situation with the confirmation of the poliovirus in environmental samples across all of its districts. Additionally, the virus was also found in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Jamshoro.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded poliovirus presence in environmental samples from Peshawar, adding to the growing concern.

Punjab reported poliovirus in environmental samples from Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

This recent detection comes as a reminder of the ongoing battle against polio in Pakistan, with 28 confirmed environmental samples in January 2024 alone. Last year, 126 environmental samples tested positive for the virus across the country. Efforts to eradicate polio remain a top priority for health authorities in Pakistan.