• Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health Islamabad has confirmed the detection of wild poliovirus type-1 case fromQuetta District of Balochistan. Theindex case had onset of paralysis on 22 Aug 2024. 
  • This is thethird polio case from district Quetta and the 33rd from Pakistan at large this year. So far, 17 cases have been reported from Balochistan, 10 from Sindh, four from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
  • Genetic sequencing: 99.66% linked with Environmental Sample of Quetta (Date of Collection: 23-Apr-2024).
  • Environmental samples from Quetta District and Quetta Block have been consistently positive for WPV1 this year, indicating continued circulation of the virus and risk to children. This year, 37 positive environmental samples and three cases have been reported from Quetta, while Quetta Block has reported 65 positive environmental samples and 11 cases.
  • The implementation of polio campaigns in this region was challenging last year. Campaigns were staggered or postponed due to localized protests, boycotts and insecurity, leading to a cohort of missed children who can sustain poliovirus transmission. This outbreak is indicative of the harm children suffer due to missed vaccination opportunities.