Pakistan: Detection of poliovirus in sewage water samples raises new concerns

The recent detection of poliovirus in sewage water samples collected across 30 districts in Pakistan has sparked new concerns about a potential surge in polio cases, VOA reported yesterday.

Pakistani Health officials have set out to eradicate imported strains of the poliovirus, particularly those originating from neighboring Afghanistan, by the end of 2024.

To achieve this, the government will implement eight comprehensive polio vaccination campaigns scheduled throughout the year.

Polio, a highly contagious viral illness primarily affecting children under 5, spreads through feces, oral transmission or contaminated food and water.