Pak: 5 held for refusing polio vaccine for children
Quetta Authorities Arrest Parents Refusing Polio Vaccination
In Quetta, Pakistan, five individuals were arrested for refusing to vaccinate their children against polio. Assistant Commissioner Maria Shamooun, along with a polio team, visited Sariab, where they successfully vaccinated 15 children after persuading their hesitant parents. Despite warnings, five parents were detained for their continued refusal.
Poliovirus Detected Across Pakistan
Environmental samples from all four provinces of Pakistan have tested positive for poliovirus for the first time in 2025. Sewage samples collected from January 6 to 15 revealed the presence of the virus in 26 districts, including 15 in Sindh, 5 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 3 each in Balochistan and Punjab.
Concerns Over Wild Poliovirus Type 1
The detection of wild poliovirus type 1 in sewage samples is alarming, indicating the virus's presence in the environment. In 2024, Pakistan reported 73 polio cases and over 480 positive sewage samples, highlighting the urgent need for vaccination campaigns.
Earlier samples from Mirpurkhas, Thatta, and Naushahro Feroze in Sindh also tested positive for the virus. Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis and death, with no cure available. Vaccination is the most effective protection, requiring multiple doses and a complete routine schedule for children under five.
Doubts Revealed
Quetta
Quetta is a city in Pakistan. It is the capital of the Balochistan province.
Polio
Polio is a disease caused by a virus that can make people very sick, sometimes leading to paralysis. Vaccines help protect people from getting polio.
Vaccination
Vaccination is when a person is given a vaccine to protect them from a disease. It helps the body learn how to fight the disease if it ever comes in contact with it.
Assistant Commissioner
An Assistant Commissioner is a government official who helps manage and oversee certain areas or tasks. In this case, Maria Shamooun is helping with the polio vaccination efforts.
Poliovirus
Poliovirus is the virus that causes polio. It can spread from person to person and is found in places with poor sanitation.
Wild poliovirus type 1
Wild poliovirus type 1 is a natural form of the virus that can cause polio. It is different from the weakened virus used in vaccines.
Sewage samples
Sewage samples are collected from waste water to check for the presence of viruses or bacteria. Finding poliovirus in sewage means it is present in the community.
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