Pakistan Reports Ninth Polio Case of 2024

An 18-month-old boy from the Zhob district of Balochistan has been diagnosed with the polio virus, marking the ninth reported case of polio in Pakistan for 2024.

Details of the Latest Case

• Location: Hassan Zai Urban area, Zhob district, Balochistan
• Symptoms: Appeared on June 28
• Genetic Testing: Currently underway

Current Polio Situation

PM’s Coordinator on Health, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed, confirmed the total number of polio cases in the country for 2024 has reached nine, with seven cases originating from Balochistan alone. He highlighted the serious concern over the resurgence of polio, noting that the virus is present in over 50 districts, posing a significant threat to children.

Recent Cases and Virus Details

Earlier, on June 28, Pakistan reported two polio cases from Sindh and Balochistan, bringing the year’s total to eight at that time. The National Institute of Health confirmed:

• Two-year-old child from Qila Abdullah, Balochistan
• Three-year-old girl from Karachi Kemari

The disability symptoms for these children appeared on May 22 and June 3, respectively. The virus in these cases belongs to the YB3 cluster of polioviruses.

Response and Concerns

Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed expressed concern about the increasing polio cases and emphasized the need for robust measures to combat the virus’s spread. The presence of the virus in numerous districts underscores the ongoing threat to children’s health in Pakistan.

The health authorities are expected to intensify polio vaccination campaigns and take comprehensive measures to curb the virus’s spread and protect vulnerable children.