Three New Polio Cases Reported in Pakistan in a Single Day

Pakistan has reported three new cases of polio in a single day, raising fresh concerns about the country’s ongoing struggle against the crippling disease. According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), the new cases have emerged from North Waziristan and Lakki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Umerkot in Sindh.

This development brings the total number of confirmed polio cases in the country to 17 so far this year.

In a statement, NEOC emphasised that children with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable, especially those who have not received the required polio vaccinations. “Unvaccinated children can not only contract polio themselves but also pose a risk to others,” the statement read. “Only repeated vaccinations can offer full protection against this highly contagious virus.”

Environmental Surveillance Raises Alarms

Poliovirus has also been found in sewage samples collected from Islamabad and all four provinces, according to the National Reference Laboratory. A total of 28 environmental samples collected from 20 districts between May 8 and June 17 tested positive for Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1).

This widespread presence in sewage highlights ongoing silent transmission of the virus and underscores the critical importance of nationwide immunisation efforts.

Polio Has No Cure—Only Prevention

Polio is a debilitating disease that can cause permanent paralysis and has no known cure. Health authorities stress that the only defence is immunisation, especially oral polio vaccine (OPV) administered in multiple doses. All children under the age of five must complete the routine vaccination schedule to achieve maximum protection.

The Pakistan Polio Program runs several mass immunisation campaigns annually, ensuring the vaccine reaches children even in remote areas. Additionally, the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI) offers free vaccinations against 12 preventable childhood diseases, including polio, at designated health facilities.

Parents Urged to Take Action

Health officials have once again urged parents and carers to ensure timely vaccination of all children under five. “Every missed child puts others at risk,” said an NEOC official. “We cannot afford complacency at this stage.”