Pakistan reports two new polio cases in children

Two new cases of polio have been confirmed in Pakistan, raising concerns about the spread of this preventable disease. The cases were reported in Sindh and Balochistan, bringing the total number of cases in the country to eight for the year 2024.

The National Institute of Health has identified the cases, which involve a two-year-old child from Qila Abdullah in Balochistan and a 3-year-old girl from Karachi Kemari. Symptoms of disability were noticed in these children in late May and early June. The virus detected in the samples belongs to the YB3 cluster of polioviruses.

Health officials have revealed that this is the sixth case reported in Balochistan in the first half of 2024, with all previous cases originating from the same region. In 2023, Pakistan recorded six polio cases, with four from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and two from Karachi. Polio is a highly contagious disease that can cause paralysis, disability, and even death.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent polio. Pakistan has been actively immunizing millions of children under the age of five to stop the spread of the disease. However, it is unclear whether the affected children in the recent cases had received the polio vaccine or not.

It is crucial to emphasize the importance of vaccination in the fight against polio. Efforts must continue to ensure that all children are safeguarded against this debilitating disease.

The recent rise in polio cases in Pakistan highlights the ongoing battle against this infectious disease. Vaccination is key to protecting children and preventing the spread of polio. It is essential for communities to work together to ensure that every child receives the necessary immunizations to stay healthy and safe.