The presence of the polio virus has been detected in the sewage systems of four additional districts across Pakistan, sparking concerns among health authorities and the public. The newly affected areas are Lakki Marwat, Khairpur, Tando Allah Yar, and Tando Muhammad Khan.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed that environmental samples taken between December 18 and December 24 tested positive for the virus. According to the latest report from the Regional Polio Laboratory, sewage samples from all four districts yielded positive results for the poliovirus, further complicating the nation’s ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease.
This alarming discovery follows similar findings just two weeks ago, when the virus was detected in sewage systems across 12 other districts. The recurrence of polio in multiple areas underscores the persistent and widespread threat it poses to public health in Pakistan.
Experts are now calling for increased surveillance and the intensification of vaccination campaigns in the affected regions to curb the spread of the virus and protect children from this debilitating disease.
