New Polio Case Confirmed in Quetta

APP

Islamabad: The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, confirmed a new case of wild poliovirus type-1 (WPV1) in Quetta, Balochistan.

The child developed paralysis on August 22, 2024.

This marks the third polio case from Quetta District and the 33rd from Pakistan this year. So far, 17 cases have been reported from Balochistan, 10 from Sindh, four from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.

Environmental samples from Quetta District and Quetta Block have consistently tested positive for WPV1 throughout the year, indicating ongoing virus circulation and continued risk to children. In 2024, Quetta reported 37 positive environmental samples and three cases, while Quetta Block recorded 65 positive environmental samples and 11 cases.

Health experts have attributed the outbreak to missed vaccination opportunities, highlighting the urgent need to ensure all children receive polio vaccines to prevent further cases.