Poliovirus Detected in Environmental Samples Across 20 Districts

  • Earlier poliovirus “found” in nine Balochistan districts.
  • 35 samples from 31 other districts tested “negative”.
  • Over 45mn kids to be administered polio vaccine drops.

KARACHI: The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) announced Sunday the confirmation of poliovirus presence in 25 environmental samples. These samples were taken from 20 districts throughout the nation.

The virus was identified in samples obtained from various locations including Quetta, Khuzdar, Lahore, Multan, Nooriabad, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Bahawalpur. However, the NEOC noted that 35 environmental samples from 31 other districts showed no presence of the virus.

In related news, the Ministry of National Health Services previously verified the existence of poliovirus in environmental samples taken from nine districts in Balochistan.

According to the department, samples collected between March 5 and 19 from Quetta, Duki, Kech, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Loralai, Pishin, Nasirabad, and Usta Muhammad districts tested positive for poliovirus.

Despite these findings, the NEOC emphasized that polio spread and the number of cases have significantly decreased. They credited this advancement to the continuous polio vaccination efforts.

To further eradicate the virus, a countrywide polio vaccination campaign is planned from April 21 to 27. During this period, over 45 million children nationwide are slated to receive polio vaccine drops.

The NEOC is encouraging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against polio, stressing the vaccine’s crucial role in protecting them from this crippling illness.

On March 1, authorities reported the sixth poliovirus case of 2025 in Pakistan, specifically from Sindh’s Thatta district, as confirmed by the Pakistan Polio Programme.

The National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Regional Reference Laboratory validated this case, marking it as the fourth polio case from Sindh this year. Earlier reports included one case from Punjab and another from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In 2024, Pakistan recorded a total of 74 polio cases. Balochistan was the most affected region with 27 cases, followed by Sindh with 23, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 22, and Punjab and Islamabad each reporting one case.

Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, remains one of the two countries where polio is still endemic. While the number of cases had significantly declined in previous years, there was a notable increase recorded last year.

Polio is a debilitating disease that leads to paralysis and has no cure. Ensuring that all children under five years of age receive their routine vaccinations is essential to provide them with strong protection against this devastating disease.