Islamabad: Sources from the Ministry of Health have stated that environmental samples from 8 cities of the country have tested positive for the poliovirus.

According to details, samples from 12 sewage sites in 8 cities across the country have tested positive for the poliovirus. Wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) and type 3 (WPV3) clusters were found in the sewage samples.

It has been reported that poliovirus was detected in sewage samples from Karachi, Quetta, Osta Muhammad, and Sibi, while poliovirus positivity was also found in sewage samples from Peshawar, Mastung, Nasirabad, and Kohat.

Also Read: Health Experts: Polio Near Extinction in Pakistan and Afghanistan

Sampling for polio testing was conducted from 14th to 19th March in 8 cities of Pakistan, with 93 samples from 31 districts testing positive for polio.

In Karachi East, South, and Korangi, poliovirus was found in sewage samples. Last year, six samples from South Karachi tested positive for poliovirus. The poliovirus in Karachi’s sewage is genetically linked locally.

Additionally, poliovirus was detected for the first time in sewage samples from Osta Muhammad, with genetic linkage to Quetta. Last year, 12 sewage samples from Quetta tested positive for poliovirus.

Sources state that poliovirus was found in the sewage of Shahin Muslim Town in Peshawar. Last year, nine samples from Peshawar tested positive for poliovirus. Poliovirus in Peshawar’s sewage is spreading locally. Two cases of poliovirus have been reported in the country this year.