ISLAMABAD: The wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) has been detected in environmental samples collected from 17 already infected districts, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed.

According to a lab official, sewage samples collected from Islamabad, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Quetta, Killa Saifullah, D.G. Khan, Barkhan, Sibi, Dukki, Mastung, Lakki Marwat, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Noshki, Kech, Rahim Yar Khan and Lahore have tested positive for WPV1.

The official explained that if the virus is found in the sewage, the sample is called positive, and whenever a child is paralysed by the virus, it is called a positive case.

“A sewage water sample from an area is the basic parameter to determine if polio vaccination campaigns are being carried out successfully,” he added.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2025