Polio virus found in five Sindh districts

Polio virus found in five Sindh districts

Environmental surveillance has detected the presence of poliovirus in samples collected from five districts of Sindh during August, prompting authorities to intensify preventive measures in the affected areas.

According to the Sindh Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), health authorities found poliovirus in one environmental sample each from Karachi’s West, Korangi, Central and South districts. Two additional environmental samples collected from Hyderabad also tested positive for the virus.

The latest findings have highlighted the continued need for strong surveillance and vaccination efforts across Sindh, particularly in areas where environmental samples have indicated the circulation of poliovirus.

Meanwhile, environmental samples collected from Karachi’s East, Keamari and Malir districts tested negative for poliovirus. Samples from Ghotki, Sukkur, Jacobabad and Qambar also returned negative results.

The EOC further reported that environmental surveillance in Larkana, Kashmore, Dadu, Badin, Jamshoro, Sujawal, Mirpur Khas and Sanghar found no evidence of poliovirus during the reported period.

Environmental surveillance plays an important role in identifying poliovirus circulation even when no polio case has been reported among children in a particular area. Health authorities use these findings to identify locations that may require additional vaccination campaigns and other preventive interventions.

The Sindh EOC said it would place greater emphasis on polio vaccination activities and related measures in districts where samples tested positive. Authorities are expected to strengthen vaccination coverage and surveillance in the affected localities to reduce the risk of transmission.

The findings also underline the importance of ensuring that children receive all recommended doses of the polio vaccine, as repeated vaccination provides protection against the virus and helps prevent its spread within communities.