The presence of the polio virus has been confirmed in 47 environmental samples collected from various parts of Pakistan.
According to the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program, a total of 116 environmental samples were collected in May for testing. While 69 samples tested negative, the virus was found in samples from 34 districts across the country.
The program further reported that the polio virus was detected in 14 districts of Sindh, 8 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 6 districts of Balochistan, and 4 districts of Punjab. Additionally, environmental samples from one district in Gilgit-Baltistan and from Islamabad also tested positive.
All confirmed samples contained Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1). Officials expressed deep concern over the detection of the virus in 47 samples nationwide, highlighting the serious risk it poses to children’s health. Parents have been urged to ensure their children receive repeated doses of the oral polio vaccine.
