Polio virus detected in sewage samples across major cities

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Health has announced that sewage samples from several major cities in Pakistan have tested positive for the poliovirus. Karachi, Lahore, Badin, Peshawar, and Chaman are among the areas affected, sparking fears of a potential polio outbreak.

According to sources within the ministry, a total of 83 samples from 30 districts have been confirmed as polio positive this year alone. What’s more alarming is that 80 of these samples are genetically linked to local strains of the virus, indicating its active circulation within the country.

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However, the genetic analysis has also revealed a worrying trend, with three sewage samples showing a genetic link to Afghanistan, particularly Jalalabad. This cross-border transmission highlights the need for collaborative efforts to combat the spread of polio in the region.

In Karachi, specific areas like Rashid Minhas Road, Machar Colony, and Chakra Nallah have been identified as hotspots for poliovirus contamination in sewage. Karachi East has reported 12 polio-positive samples, with genetic analysis indicating a localised strain of the virus.

Further south, Hijrat Colony in Karachi South has also recorded instances of poliovirus in sewage, with genetic connections traced back to Karachi East. Similarly, Malir Landhi Bakhtawar area in Karachi has been flagged for poliovirus contamination, with genetic similarities to local strains.

Badin, in the southern Sindh province, has also detected poliovirus in sewage, particularly in the Mahwali Dargah Nala area. Genetic links have been established with Karachi Central, indicating a concerning spread of the virus within the province.

Some areas in Chaman, Balochistan have also reported poliovirus in sewage, which has been identified as locally sourced.

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Moving to the north-western city of Peshawar, the Narekhor area has shown polio-positive sewage, with genetic ties to Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

Even Lahore, in the Punjab province, has not been spared, with confirmation of poliovirus at the Outfall Station Environmental Site. Genetic analysis has linked this strain to Karachi East, highlighting the interconnectedness of poliovirus transmission across regions.

Authorities are urging heightened vigilance and vaccination efforts to contain the spread of polio in light of these findings.