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Polio Cases Surge in Pakistan: Total Reaches 28 This Year
The total poliovirus tally in Pakistan has risen to 28 after two new cases were confirmed, leaving children paralyzed. Urgent vaccination efforts are essential to combat this resurgence.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-03
Polio Cases Surge in Pakistan: Total Reaches 28 This Year

The total number of confirmed poliovirus cases in Pakistan for this year has risen to 28, following the announcement of two new cases of the crippling disease. The affected children include a 36-month-old girl from Zhob in Balochistan and a seven-month-old girl from Tank in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), both of whom have been left paralyzed by wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1).

The onset of the virus in the toddler from Zhob was reported on September 6, while the symptoms in the infant from Tank appeared on September 17. Both districts had previously reported the presence of the virus in sewage samples, indicating ongoing polio transmission and a significant risk to children’s health.

With these latest cases, the tally in KP has now reached three, while Balochistan has reported a total of 16 cases. Sindh has confirmed seven cases, and Punjab and Islamabad have reported one case each. Balochistan has emerged as the epicenter of the polio outbreak in Pakistan this year.

In response to the alarming rise in polio cases, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has demanded an inquiry from the provincial health department regarding the latest case in Zhob. "Every new case of polio causes pain and concern," he stated, urging the health department to initiate a special anti-polio campaign. He also appealed to parents to vaccinate their children to eliminate the disease.

The latest confirmed cases were validated by the Regional Reference Laboratory at the National Institute of Health. Polio is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under five years old, often exacerbated by malnutrition and weak immunity due to under-vaccination.

The disease invades the nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis or death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination remains the most effective means of protection against this crippling disease.

The resurgence of polio poses a significant setback to the country's ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease. Officials are actively working to enhance vaccination campaigns and raise public awareness about the critical importance of immunization.

Pakistan is one of the two remaining polio-endemic countries globally, alongside Afghanistan. While the overall number of polio cases has significantly declined in recent years, the recent uptick is concerning.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication, announced that a nationwide polio campaign will be launched starting October 28 to combat the disease's resurgence. She urged parents to ensure that all children up to five years of age receive the polio vaccine, emphasizing that repeated vaccinations can prevent irreversible paralysis caused by the virus.

"It is heartbreaking that Pakistani children are still being threatened by a disease that can be easily prevented with the help of an easily available polio vaccine," Farooq remarked, calling for immediate action from parents, community leaders, and teachers to safeguard children’s health.
Tagged:

Pakistan

vaccination

polio

PublicHealth

EradicatePolio
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