Health Desk:
QUETTA: The National Institute of Health’s Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication confirmed Pakistan’s 41st case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) on Friday, October 25, 2024.
The virus was detected in a child from Loralai District, Balochistan, marking the first recorded infection from the area this year.
The child experienced onset of paralysis on October 8, 2024.
Balochistan remains a key focus in the polio eradication drive, contributing 21 out of Pakistan’s 41 polio cases this year.
Other cases include 12 from Sindh, six from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
Genetic sequencing of the Loralai case is underway, offering insights into the virus’s transmission pathways and resistance in the region.
Balochistan has faced recurring challenges in eradicating polio, particularly due to vaccine refusal, logistical obstacles, and limited healthcare access.
Despite significant efforts, cases continue to rise,
highlighting the need for reinforced strategies and outreach in remote areas.
