Poliovirus found in environmental samples from 20 districts

Environmental surveillance has detected wild poliovirus in sewage samples from 20 districts across Pakistan, officials said, though data suggests a decline in overall virus circulation.

According to the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH), 60 samples were collected from 51 districts.

Of these, 25 tested positive while 35 showed no presence of the virus.

The samples that confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) came from districts including Dukki, Kech, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Loralai, Nasirabad, Pishin, Quetta, Usta Muhammad, Bannu, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar, South Waziristan Lower, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lahore, Multan, and Rahim Yar Khan.

Meanwhile, samples from cities such as Islamabad, Gilgit, Rawalpindi, Swat, Sahiwal, Nowshera, and others tested negative, pointing to improved control measures in several areas.

“The trend shows a decline in positive samples and a reduction in virus circulation in many areas,” an NIH official said.

Pakistan has reported only six polio cases so far in 2025, down from 74 in 2024. Officials credit improved immunisation drives since September last year.

A new nationwide polio campaign is set to begin on April 21, targeting 45.4 million children under the age of five. Authorities have urged parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine each time it is offered.

“Repeated vaccination strengthens immunity and helps stop the spread,” the official added. “No child should be left behind — protecting them from polio is a collective responsibility.”