Polio virus 'found' in sewage samples of 15 districts

ISLAMABAD: Polio virus has been detected in environmental samples collected from 15 districts across Pakistan, ARY News reported citing sources.

According to sources, the latest weekly environmental testing, conducted between March 4 and 12, revealed the presence of Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1) in sewage samples from multiple locations.

Sources from the Regional Reference Laboratory confirmed that sewage lines in all four provinces showed signs of contamination. Positive samples were reported from nine districts in Sindh, four in Punjab, and one each in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In Sindh, the affected districts include Karachi East, South, Korangi, Malir, Larkana, Jamshoro, Ghotki, Kashmore, and Mirpurkhas.

In Punjab, the virus was found in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala. Meanwhile, Quetta (Balochistan) and Tank (KP) also recorded polio-positive environmental samples.

Also read: Poliovirus detected in sewage samples from four districts

On the other hand, samples from 15 other districts tested negative for the virus. However, sources reveal that this marks the 12th instance this year where polio has been detected in environmental samples.

The number of positive samples in 2024 has already exceeded 130. So far, six confirmed polio cases have been reported in the country this year.

The rise in polio cases in Pakistan continues as the country reported another case of the virus in 2025.

According to NEOC, the polio case was reported in Thatta Sindh, bring the total provincial number in 2025 to four and countrywide to six.

Polio

Polio is a paralyzing disease that has no cure. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five is essential to provide children high immunity against this terrible disease.

The Pakistan Polio Program conducts multiple mass vaccination drives in a year, bringing the vaccine to children at their doorsteps, while the Expanded Program on Immunization provides vaccinations against 12 childhood disease free of charge at health facilities.

It is crucial for parents to ensure vaccination for all their children under the age of five to keep them protected.