Daily Times

LAHORE: Poliovirus has been detected in fresh samples retrieved from sewage in different parts of Faisalabad, traces of which closely resembled the virus found in Afghanistan.

Faisalabad has been declared as a high-risk area for polio after virus was detected in environmental samples, putting a good number of children at
risk of contracting the crippling disease.

According to the polio virology lab at the National Health Institute, samples of sewage water collected from Faisalabad were tested positive for the poliovirus, an official who close to the information informed Daily Times. He said this was an orphan virus, 50 percent belonging to Karachi while 50 percent to Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

According to the laid down guidelines, sewage samples were being drawn every month from major districts of the province. Environmental surveillance has been helpful in
better understanding the patterns of poliovirus circulation in the country and improved tailoring of vaccination strategies.

He said the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) on polio concluded its last meeting in the United Kingdom, suggesting Pakistan to make vigorous efforts in eradicating the poliovirus this year. The IMB cautioned against the risk of cross-border transfer of the poliovirus, since both Afghanistan and Pakistan carry reservoirs of the disease, and it can be transported due to the frequent movement of people across the border.

Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Punjab Director Dr Muneer Ahmad said that this virus apparently belonged to Gadap area of Karachi. A three -day polio vaccination drive would be commenced next week in Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tak Singh and Chiniot to ensure immunisition of children against the virus.

He said 2.5 million children up to the age of five years would be administered polio drops during the drive, which would continue for three days, adding that a letter has been written to the EPI Cell for provision of vaccines in this regard.