The poliovirus detected in sewage samples from Karachi and Peshawar, according to a report by ARY News. The discovery highlights ongoing concerns about polio in Pakistan, one of the few countries where the virus remains endemic.
Details of the Detection
Sources report that the poliovirus specifically identified in sewage samples from Karachi’s Kemari district and Peshawar. These samples collected on June 3rd and 4th, and subsequent testing confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 as well as vaccine-derived poliovirus types 2 and 3.
Current Polio Situation in Pakistan
This year, 185 samples from various regions across Pakistan have tested positive for polio. In total, 45 districts nationwide have reported polio cases. So far in 2024, Pakistan has reported five cases of poliovirus, including one fatality involving a child who succumbed to the disease.
Global Context of Poliovirus
Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, remains one of the only two countries where the poliovirus is still endemic. This virus causes paralysis and can be life-threatening, making its detection in sewage samples a significant public health concern.
By continuing to monitor and address the presence of poliovirus detected in sewage, health officials aim to take crucial steps toward eradicating this debilitating disease.
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