Polio virus still exists in Quetta

QUETTA: Wild Polio virus type 1 (WPV1) still exists in the provincial capital as samples collected from the city's sewage system suggested persistence of the virus in the environment.

The fresh sewage samples collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) experts on Feb 20 from Sur Put area of Kharotabad, were found positive for the wild polio virus type 1.

While talking to APP, Dr Sarfraz, WHO Immunization Officer in Balochistan said " Quetta is still under the looming threat of endemic polio virus though WHO, UNICEF and government of Balochistan were striving hard to eliminate the crippling disease by putting all resources available."

He said that WHO in line with its commitment and responsibilities collects samples from across the country on routine basis and dispatch to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad.

" Samples gathered on November 28 and Dec 28 from the localities including Jamia Salfia Airport Road, Takhtani Bypass and Kharotabad were negative for the polio virus, however, sample collected on Feb 20 were found positive ringing alarming bells for the dwellers", Dr Sarfraz further said.

He said that though there is massive decline in the cases of polio in Balochistan, yet threat still persists as evident from the recent report.

When contacted to Additional Secretary Health and provincial focal person on polio, Noor-ul-Haq Baloch said that detection of polio virus type 1, the environment samples is though a matter of concern, however, we are committed to eliminate the polio virus and our concerted efforts have brought the dreaded virus to almost its end.

Giving overview of the polio cases and endeavors jointly made by the government, UNICEF and WHO, he said that previous year only four cases were reported, three in Quetta and one in Shirani district against the number of 58 cases detected in 2011.

Due to the comprehensive response in line with international outbreak response guidelines, no case has been reported in the prevailing year.

Three special anti-polio campaigns have been launched in Quetta, Qilla Abdullah and Pishin district considered to be the most affected areas to control the virus.

On April 15, National Immunization Day, anti-polio drive would be launched in all thirty districts to further bring the situation under control.