Pakistan has recorded its first polio case of 2025, involving a 13-month-old girl from Tank district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The diagnosis, confirmed by the National Reference Lab, revealed the presence of Wild Poliovirus Type 1. This is a concerning development as the country continues its efforts to combat this crippling disease.
The young girl reportedly began showing symptoms on November 25, 2024. Her condition highlights the ongoing risk posed by polio, a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children under five. The virus can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis within hours.
Polio is mainly spread through person-to-person contact via the fecal-oral route, though it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or water. Once inside the body, the virus multiplies in the intestine and begins to attack the nervous system. Early symptoms of polio include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, and limb pain. However, in severe cases, the disease can cause irreversible paralysis, particularly in the legs. Tragically, about 5–10% of those paralyzed die due to immobilized breathing muscles.
In 2024, Pakistan reported 68 polio cases, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounting for 21 of them. Balochistan was the most affected province, recording 27 cases, followed by Sindh with 19 cases. Punjab and Islamabad each reported one case during the same year. These numbers underscore the ongoing challenges in eradicating the disease nationwide.
Polio mainly affects unvaccinated individuals, and children under five are particularly vulnerable. While there is no cure for polio, it is entirely preventable through vaccination. Two types of polio vaccines are used worldwide: the oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). Both are safe and effective, offering lifelong protection when administered multiple times.
Efforts to eliminate polio in Pakistan have been extensive, with regular vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk areas. However, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, difficult terrain, and limited access to healthcare in remote regions continue to hinder progress.
This latest case serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination to protect children from this preventable yet devastating disease. Parents are urged to ensure their children receive all recommended doses of the polio vaccine, helping to safeguard not only their families but also their communities.
Polio eradication is a global priority, and Pakistan’s continued vigilance is vital to achieving a polio-free world.
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