Balochistan reports first polio case in 3 years

Victim, a two-and-a-half-year-old child, hails from Dera Bugti

QUETTA:

In a concerning development, Balochistan has reported its first polio case in three years, as confirmed by health department sources.

The victim, a two-and-a-half-year-old child hailing from the Dera Bugti district of Balochistan, tested positive for the poliovirus, raising alarms within the province.

Health department sources disclosed that test samples were collected from the child on Feb 22 with subsequent analysis confirming the presence of the debilitating virus.

This marks the first polio case reported in Balochistan for the year 2024.The last recorded instance of polio in Quetta dates back to February 2021, originating from Qila Abdullah. However, the recent detection signals a re-emergence of the virus, highlighting potential gaps in vaccination coverage and surveillance.

Read Polio challenge

Disturbingly, health department sources revealed the presence of the poliovirus in environmental samples from Quetta since August of the preceding year.

This discovery starkly contrasts with the two-and-a-half years of poliovirus absence from environmental samples until August 2023, underlining a concerning regression in the region's eradication efforts.

In response to the resurgence, the health department announced a targeted polio campaign slated to commence on March 24 across nine districts of Quetta. The initiative aims to swiftly contain the spread of the virus and bolster vaccination efforts within the community.

The reappearance of polio in Quetta serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced in eradicating the disease entirely. The authorities have been urged to intensify immunisation drives and enhance surveillance measures to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard public health.