The National Institute of Health has released a concerning report confirming the detection of poliovirus in environmental samples collected from 52 districts across Pakistan.
This discovery underscores the ongoing threat posed by polio in various parts of the country, despite concerted efforts to eradicate the disease.
The latest findings reveal that poliovirus has been identified in 10 environmental samples from seven additional cities, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This indicates a persistent presence and transmission of the virus in diverse geographical areas.
Specifically, the report details:
- In Islamabad, poliovirus was detected in sewage samples taken from the vegetable market on July 3rd. This finding underscores the risk of viral transmission through contaminated water sources.
- Genetic analysis of samples from Rawalpindi’s Safdarabad area indicates a strain of poliovirus closely related to that found in Islamabad, suggesting potential cross-city transmission.
- Environmental samples from Loralai have also tested positive for poliovirus, highlighting the virus’s spread to more remote regions.
- Karachi reported the presence of poliovirus in samples from Hijrat Colony, Haji Murid Goth, and Khamisu Goth, underscoring its persistence in densely populated urban areas.
- Dadu in Sindh and Hyderabad reported positive environmental samples from the Risala line and pumping stations, indicating widespread contamination in these regions.
These findings underscore the critical need for vigilant public health measures and comprehensive immunization campaigns across Pakistan. Despite global efforts to eradicate polio, these detections highlight gaps in vaccination coverage and sanitation practices that continue to facilitate viral transmission.
The NIH report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sustained vaccination efforts and improved sanitation infrastructure to prevent the resurgence of polio. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts between healthcare authorities, communities, and international partners to achieve lasting polio eradication in Pakistan.
