Is Wild Poliovirus Detected in Sewage Samples from Seven Districts in Pakistan?
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Synopsis
Recent findings from the National Institute of Health indicate that wild poliovirus type 1 has been detected in sewage samples across seven districts in Pakistan. This alarming report underscores the urgency for vaccination efforts as health officials call for increased awareness and action against this debilitating disease.
Key Takeaways
- Detection of WPV1 in sewage samples from seven districts.
- Urgent need for vaccination to protect children.
- Over 45 million children vaccinated in 2025.
- Health officials emphasize repeated vaccination as key.
- Global efforts continue to eradicate polio worldwide.
Islamabad, June 21 (NationPress) The National Institute of Health (NIH) has reported the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in environmental samples from seven districts throughout Pakistan. This alarming discovery was made public in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the NIH in Islamabad, these samples were gathered between May 8 and May 23 as part of the nation's ongoing environmental surveillance efforts.
The positive sewage samples were identified in Gwadar and Quetta in the southwest Balochistan province, Rawalpindi in eastern Punjab, as well as South Waziristan Upper and South Waziristan Lower in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and Larkana and Mirpur Khas in southern Sindh province.
In contrast, samples from Lahore in Punjab and Pishin in Balochistan tested negative, the report detailed.
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme has implemented three nationwide immunization campaigns in 2025, successfully reaching over 45 million children under five years old with the help of more than 400,000 frontline workers, as reported by health officials.
Since September 2024, the programme has enforced a stringent vaccination strategy, resulting in a notable decrease in polio cases and positive environmental samples across the country, according to the Xinhua news agency.
This year, Pakistan has recorded 12 new poliovirus cases as of 2025, according to the programme.
Health authorities are urging all parents and caregivers to ensure that their children receive polio drops during each campaign, stressing that repeated vaccinations are essential for safeguarding children against this debilitating disease.
Wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) is the only naturally occurring strain of poliovirus still prevalent worldwide. It is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the fecal-oral route, mainly impacting children under five and can lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, vaccination with the polio vaccine can effectively prevent the disease. WPV1 remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the WHO noting a recent outbreak in southeastern Africa.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has been dedicated to eradicating polio since 1988, achieving a remarkable reduction of over 99.99 percent in the number of cases.
Point of View
I affirm our commitment to informing the public about critical health issues. The detection of wild poliovirus in sewage samples is alarming, but it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilant vaccination efforts. Our nation must come together to protect our children and prevent any resurgence of polio.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wild poliovirus type 1?
Wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) is a naturally occurring strain of poliovirus that primarily spreads among children under five years old and can lead to paralysis.
How is polio transmitted?
Polio is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, making sanitation and vaccination crucial in preventing outbreaks.
What measures are being taken to eradicate polio in Pakistan?
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme conducts nationwide immunization campaigns and environmental surveillance to monitor and control the spread of the virus.
How many poliovirus cases have been reported in 2025?
Pakistan has reported 12 new cases of poliovirus since the beginning of 2025.
What can parents do to protect their children from polio?
Parents should ensure their children receive polio drops during all vaccination campaigns to provide effective protection against the disease.
