ISLAMABAD – The federal capital has reported first polio case in nearly 16 years, taking total number of cases in Pakistan to 17 in 2024.
According to the National Health Institute, a child from Union Council 4 in Islamabad has been confirmed to have polio virus.
It also stated that environmental samples from June in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi tested positive for the presence of the polio virus.
Meanwhile, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s focal person for polio eradication, said that unfortunately another Pakistani child has been affected by polio. The government has developed a comprehensive roadmap to halt the spread of the disease.
500 polio teams in Quetta accused of running fake vaccination drives
Anwar Haq, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Center, said that efforts are being intensified to ensure that every child receives the polio vaccine.
Polio is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children under five by attacking their nervous system, which can lead to paralysis or death. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries where polio remains endemic.
The polio virus is transmitted by person-to-person and is spread mainly through the faecal-oral route, or, less frequently, by a common vehicle, such as contaminated water or food. Thereafter, the polio virus multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis.
The initial symptoms of polio include fever, fatigue, headaches, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. In a small proportion of cases, the disease can cause paralysis, which is often permanent. There is no cure for polio, and it can only be prevented by immunization.
First Polio case in Gaza in 25 years raises alarm for Health Security amid war
