No let-up in cases as tally tops 45

ISLAMABAD:

The poliovirus crippled two more children in the country, taking the tally of poliovirus cases to 45.

The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of two more wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in DI Khan and Lakki Marwat. As per the laboratory, a girl was crippled in Lakki Marwat and a boy in DI Khan. Genetic sequencing of the samples collected from the children is underway. The polio cases from DI Khan and Lakki Marwat have been reported twice this year, where environmental samples have tested positive in recent months.

So far, 22 polio cases have been reported from Balochistan, 12 from Sindh, nine from K-P and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.

WPV1 has been detected in 76 districts from all four provinces, indicating widespread circulation of the virus and a continued serious risk to children's well-being from a disease that can paralyze them for life. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five are essential to keep them protected.