Polio virus detected in six districts

ISLAMABAD: Poliovirus has been detected in the environmental samples taken from six districts of Pakistan.

According to Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan poliovirus was detected in four samples taken from Karachi, two samples from Chaman and in one each taken from Peshawar, Kohat and Nowshera.

Special Anti-Polio campaign starts today

He said that the detected virus is genetically connected to the YB3A cluster circulating in Afghanistan, adding that every child is vulnerable to the presence of this virus especially children younger than five years of age as it can cripple them for life.

Nadeem said that there is no found treatment for polio and only vaccination can protect them from being disabled for life.

He appealed to the parents that they get their children vaccinated with the drops.

The Health Minister said that the government is ensuring measures to eradicate polio. The surveillance regarding Polio in Pakistan is working efficiently and the instantaneous detection of the virus is proof.