Poliovirus Detected in Multiple Districts Across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – The National Reference Laboratory has confirmed the presence of Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1) in multiple sewage samples collected across Pakistan, raising public health concerns.

Environmental surveillance samples collected between May 8 and June 17 from 20 districts across the country tested positive for poliovirus.

A total of 28 samples were found contaminated, including two from Islamabad and several from the four provinces and Azad Kashmir.

Breakdown by Region:

• Sindh: 14 samples from 10 districts tested positive
• Punjab: 3 samples detected in Lahore
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 5 samples from 4 districts
• Balochistan: Samples from Mastung, Khuzdar, and Sibi
• Islamabad: 2 locations confirmed with virus traces
• Azad Kashmir: 1 sample from Mirpur tested positive

The detection of poliovirus in these regions indicates ongoing transmission and poses a serious risk to children, especially in vulnerable communities.

Health officials urge parents to ensure their children receive the oral polio vaccine (OPV) during national and local campaigns.