Polio Resurgence in Pakistan: Balochistan Sees Another Case

Authorities in Pakistan's Balochistan have reported another polio case, raising the national tally for this year to 22. The latest victim is a 30-month-old boy. Government officials stress the importance of vaccination and have updated their emergency operations plan to address the outbreak.

Balochistan, Pakistan—Authorities have reported another case of polio in the region, increasing the national count to 22 for the year. The most recent victim is a 30-month-old boy from Pishin, officials disclosed.

Polio eradication officials confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 in the child. Balochistan alone accounts for 15 of the 22 cases reported so far, while Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad have also seen isolated incidents.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication, expressed deep concern and urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated. The government has updated its National Polio Eradication Emergency Operations Plan and plans two large-scale door-to-door vaccination campaigns later this year to combat the outbreak.

(With inputs from agencies.)