The 13-month-old girl, who showed symptoms of polio on November 25, has been confirmed with Wild poliovirus type 1.
It may be noted here that Pakistan reported 68 polio cases in 2024 with 21 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Meanwhile, Balochistan reported 27 polio cases, Sindh 19 cases while Punjab and Islamabad had each reported one case last year.
POLIO: Symptoms and risk
Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.
The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the fecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck, and pain in the limbs.
One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralyzed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.
Poliovirus detected in environmental samples of 26 districts
The disease mainly affects children under 5 years of age. However, anyone of any age who is unvaccinated can contract the disease.
There is no cure for the crippling disease, it can only be prevented. The Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.
There are two vaccines available, oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine. Both are effective and safe, and both are used in different combinations worldwide, depending on local epidemiological and programmatic circumstances, to ensure the best possible protection for populations can be provided.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.