Pakistan Reports Sixth Polio Case of 2024 in Southwestern Province

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan's health ministry has reported the country's sixth polio case of 2024, as a wild poliovirus type 1 was detected in an 18-month-old child in the southwest Balochistan province. The child, from Qilla Abdullah district, developed symptoms of paralysis on June 3, and genetic sequencing confirmed a link to previous positive cases and environmental samples this year. The government is reinforcing routine vaccination efforts and urging parents to ensure all children under five receive multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan has reported its sixth polio case of 2024, with the virus detected in an 18-month-old child in the southwest Balochistan province.
  • The wild poliovirus type 1 was genetically linked to previous positive cases and environmental samples this year.
  • The affected child developed symptoms of paralysis on June 3 and was analyzed by the regional reference laboratory for polio at the National Institute of Health.
  • The government is strengthening routine vaccination rates and health systems in the province, with a focus on multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine for children under five.
  • Pakistan has witnessed poliovirus presence in over 40 districts this year.

Statistics:

  • Pakistan has reported 6 polio cases in 2024, as of June 26.
  • The affected child is an 18-month-old from Qilla Abdullah district in southwest Balochistan province.
  • The genetic sequencing of the virus isolated from the samples showed a link to previous positive cases and environmental samples this year.

Sources:

  • Xinhua via COMTEX, June 26, 2024.