ISLAMABAD: National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad has confirmed detection of Type-1 Wild Poliovirus (WPV1) in environmental samples of 2 more cities. 

According to Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at National Institute of Health, Wild poliovirus type 1 has been detected in four more sewage samples taken from previously infected districts, taking tally of current year’s environmental samples to 112. Three samples collected from different districts of Karachi and one sample collected from Pishin have been found positive, statement said.

Samples were genetically linked to imported YB3A cluster of WPV1. According to lab official, virus was found in sewage samples of 33 districts this year so far.  Polio virus detected in environmental samples of Karachi, Quetta.

“All positive samples and two human cases reported this year contain YB3A cluster, which disappeared from country in 2021, remained in circulation in Afghanistan and was reintroduced through cross-border transmission last year,” he said.