Poliovirus found in Lahore sewage, NIH confirms

LAHORE: The National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed the presence of poliovirus in sewage samples collected from Lahore, as reported by credible sources.

According to the sources, the samples were taken from the Gulshan Ravi Disposal Station and were sent to the NIH on August 7 for analysis.

Fake vaccinations uncovered in Balochistan amid resurgence of polio cases

In response, the polio eradication programme has announced that a targeted immunisation campaign will commence on September 10 in specific areas. The campaign aims to vaccinate children under the age of five against the highly contagious virus.

Parents are strongly urged to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine to help curb the spread of the disease.

Earlier, on August 23, Pakistan recorded another case of polio, with a 29-month-old girl confirmed to have contracted the virus.

The case was reported in Hyderabad’s Liaquat Colony, Pretabad, where the young girl was found to be infected with poliovirus.

This incident marks the 16th case of polio in Pakistan this year, with 11 of these cases originating from Balochistan, and the third in Sindh.

16th polio case of 2024 reported from Hyderabad

Sindh health officials stated that the child is suffering from malnutrition, and authorities are currently investigating her vaccination history.

The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication, speaking to a private news outlet, disclosed that “Poliovirus has now been detected in 62 districts across the country, affecting 16 children so far this year.” – INP