Pakistan has confirmed its second polio case of 2025, as reported by the National Institutes of Health's Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication. The case was identified in the Badin district of Sindh, following the first case in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In 2024, Pakistan reported a total of 74 polio cases. These included one case each from Punjab and Islamabad, 27 from Balochistan, 22 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 23 from Sindh.
Polio is a highly infectious disease that can lead to paralysis and even death. There is no cure, but vaccination is the most effective way to protect children. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completing the routine vaccination schedule for children under five are crucial for high immunity.
The first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2025 was completed, achieving 99% of its target. Conducted from February 3 to 9, the campaign vaccinated over 45 million children.
Environmental samples have confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 in 21 districts, including Dera Bugti, Hub, Khuzdar, and others. The resurgence of polio cases since late 2018 has been a concern, with the COVID-19 pandemic adding challenges to the campaign efforts.
Polio is a disease caused by a virus that can make people very sick, sometimes causing paralysis. It mostly affects children and can be prevented with a vaccine.
Sindh is one of the four provinces in Pakistan. It is located in the southeastern part of the country and its capital is Karachi.
Dera Ismail Khan is a city in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is known for its historical significance and cultural heritage.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is another province in Pakistan, located in the northwestern region. It is known for its mountainous terrain and diverse cultures.
Vaccination is a way to protect people from diseases by giving them a small, safe amount of the virus or bacteria. This helps the body learn to fight the disease if it ever comes in contact with it.
Wild poliovirus type 1 is one of the types of the virus that causes polio. It is the most common type and can spread easily if people are not vaccinated.
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