Islamabad: Wild poliovirus type 1 has been detected in sewage samples from 11 sites across Pakistan, health authorities announced yesterday. This discovery has raised concerns about the virus’s presence in the environment and its potential impact on public health.
According to Nam News Network, a total of 24 sewage samples were tested in June. Out of these, 13 samples returned negative results, while 11 confirmed the presence of poliovirus. The detection of the virus in these samples indicates ongoing transmission in certain areas of the country.
Authorities have attributed the decline in virus circulation to improved surveillance and high-quality vaccination campaigns nationwide. These measures have significantly contributed to controlling the spread of the virus, ensuring the safety of communities across Pakistan.