Polio Cases surge in Pakistan, reaching 39 this year

Foreign media, citing health officials in Pakistan, have reported that the number of positive polio cases in the country has risen to 39.

The BBC World Service reported on Sunday, October 20, that six new cases of polio type 1 (WPV1) have been confirmed, with three in Balochistan, two in Sindh, and one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

These newly reported cases bring the total number of polio cases in Pakistan this year to 39.

So far this year, 20 positive cases have been identified in Balochistan, making it the most affected region. Sindh follows with 12 cases, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported 5 cases. Punjab and Islamabad have each reported one positive case of polio in 2024.

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease that causes paralysis, particularly in young children. Although the virus has been virtually eradicated worldwide due to extensive vaccination efforts, positive cases continue to be reported from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Despite decades of vaccination campaigns, the persistence of polio in these two countries highlights the ongoing challenges in completely eradicating the virus.

The international community and local governments must remain vigilant, ensuring continued efforts to reach vulnerable populations and prevent further outbreaks.

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