Pakistan Faces Surge in Polio Cases, 63 Confirmed Across Eight Districts

"Amid rising polio cases, health authorities initiate intensified anti-polio campaigns and impose restrictions in affected regions."

Islamabad [Pakistan], December 16: Pakistan is grappling with a troubling surge in polio cases, with 63 confirmed cases reported across eight districts, according to ARY News. The National Institute of Health (NIH) revealed the detection of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in sewage samples from several regions, highlighting the risk of a larger outbreak.

The affected districts include Dera Ismail Khan, Charsadda, Rawalpindi, Qambar, Jamshoro, Killa Saifullah, Barkhan, and Mastung. Balochistan has reported the highest number of cases (26), followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 18 cases and Sindh with 17. Punjab and Islamabad have each registered one case.

A positive sewage sample was also reported in Charsadda, further raising concerns about the virus's spread. Health officials warn that the rising prevalence of the virus poses a severe threat to children across the nation.

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Preparations for Anti-Polio Campaign Intensify

To combat the outbreak, authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have launched an anti-polio campaign set to begin on December 16. In preparation, Section 144 has been imposed in Bannu for a week, banning firearms, prohibiting double riding on motorcycles, and restricting tinted windows in vehicles.

Deputy Commissioner Abdul Hameed emphasized that these measures are critical to ensuring the campaign's success and warned of strict legal action against violators.

"The steps are necessary to create a conducive environment for the anti-polio drive," Hameed stated.

The campaign aims to address key challenges, including vaccination refusals, fake finger marking, missed targets, and lack of coordination from local health authorities.

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Rising Cases and Regional Spread

On December 13, Pakistan reported four new polio cases, bringing the year’s total to 63. The latest cases were identified in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Jacobabad, and Sukkur. This marks the first recorded case in Sukkur, further emphasizing the virus's spread.

Health authorities are working to enhance vaccination efforts, recognizing the urgency of protecting children from the debilitating disease.

Polio remains a significant public health challenge in Pakistan, which is one of the last two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where the disease is still endemic.