A sewage sample from Karachi has tested positive for polio, raising Pakistan’s polio detection tally for the year 2023 to 55, according to sources from the National Polio Laboratory at the National Institute of Health (NIH).
The laboratory confirmed the presence of ‘Type-1 Wild Poliovirus (WPV1)’ in the environmental sample collected from Karachi. Genome sequencing revealed that the virus belonged to Afghanistan, emphasizing the transnational nature of poliovirus transmission.
Sewage samples are a crucial parameter in assessing the effectiveness of anti-polio campaigns, providing insights into the presence of the virus and the immunity levels of children in the area. The detection in sewage indicates a potential risk to the community, emphasizing the importance of sustaining immunization efforts.
The total number of positive environmental (sewage) samples in Pakistan for the year 2023 has now reached 55, while the number of reported human polio cases remains at four. The ongoing surveillance and response mechanisms play a crucial role in preventing the spread of the poliovirus and protecting public health.
