ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (NNI): The presence of the polio virus has been confirmed in the sewage systems of four more districts in Pakistan, raising alarm among health authorities and the general public.
The affected areas include Lakki Marwat, Khairpur, Tando Allah Yar, and Tando Muhammad Khan.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed that environmental samples collected between December 18 and 24 for testing showed positive results.
According to the Regional Polio Laboratory’s latest report, sewage samples from all four districts tested positive for the poliovirus, further compounding the challenges in the nation’s fight against the disease.
This discovery comes just two weeks after similar findings were reported from 12 districts, highlighting the persistent and widespread threat of polio in the country.
Experts are now urging enhanced surveillance and vaccination campaigns to prevent the virus from spreading to new areas, particularly with the peak season for transmission approaching. NNI
