Four new cases of wild polio virus type 1 have been reported in Pakistan, bringing the total for 2011 to 24, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on 30 March.
Media reports said the virus had also been discovered in water samples from five cities. “WHO doesn’t test drinking water for polio viruses; however, environmental surveillance has been established in Peshawar since June 2010 and sewage water samples from two sites are regularly tested by the NIH [National Institute of Health] polio laboratory," Gul Afridi, WHO Pakistan media and advocacy officer, said.
"Wild polio viruses have been continuously isolated from these sites,” Afridi added. The two sites are Shaheen Muslim Town near Total Petrol Pump, and Larama village near Bakhshoo Pull. One sample is tested from each on a monthly basis.
Until 2007 when 32 cases were detected, Pakistan had appeared to be winning its battle against polio.
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Media reports said the virus had also been discovered in water samples from five cities. “WHO doesn’t test drinking water for polio viruses; however, environmental surveillance has been established in Peshawar since June 2010 and sewage water samples from two sites are regularly tested by the NIH [National Institute of Health] polio laboratory," Gul Afridi, WHO Pakistan media and advocacy officer, said.
"Wild polio viruses have been continuously isolated from these sites,” Afridi added. The two sites are Shaheen Muslim Town near Total Petrol Pump, and Larama village near Bakhshoo Pull. One sample is tested from each on a monthly basis.
Until 2007 when 32 cases were detected, Pakistan had appeared to be winning its battle against polio.
kh/cb
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