Islamabad: The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad has confirmed a new case of wild poliovirus type-1 from the Quetta District of Balochistan, marking the 33rd instance in Pakistan this year. The affected child exhibited onset of paralysis on August 22, 2024, contributing to growing concerns over the persistent circulation of the virus, particularly in the Balochistan region.

According to Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, this latest case is the third from Quetta District and adds to a concerning tally of cases nationwide—with 17 reported in Balochistan, 10 in Sindh, four in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each in Punjab and Islamabad. Genetic sequencing links this case closely at 99.66% with an environmental sample collected from Quetta on April 23, 2024.

The ongoing detection of poliovirus in environmental samples from Quetta and its district underscores a sustained risk of transmission, particularly among unvaccinated children. This year, Quetta District has recorded 37 positive environmental samples and three polio cases, while Quetta Block alone has reported 65 positive samples and 11 cases.

Challenges in implementing effective polio vaccination campaigns in the region have been exacerbated by localized protests, security concerns, and boycotts, often leading to significant numbers of unvaccinated children. This lack of coverage continues to fuel the transmission of poliovirus, posing severe health risks to children across the region.