Polio Threat Persists: New Cases In Bannu, North Waziristan Spark Concern

Two new polio cases have been reported in the country, bringing the total number of affected children this year to three.

The new cases have emerged from the districts of Bannu and North Waziristan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The virus has been confirmed in Union Council Jani Khel in Bannu and Union Council Gharayom in North Waziristan.

According to the National Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the affected child in Bannu has been identified as 24-month-old Sameera. Polio symptoms appeared on April 7, the case was reported on April 10, and a complete investigation was conducted on April 12.

Officials stated that polio is a dangerous and incurable disease; however, it can be completely prevented through timely vaccination.

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The EOC has urged parents to ensure that children under the age of five receive polio drops during anti-polio campaigns to help stop the spread of the virus.

According to the EOC, a special anti-polio campaign will be launched in various districts across the country this month, targeting approximately 19 million children for vaccination.

Following the new cases, the health department has tightened surveillance in affected areas and directed field teams to remain on high alert.

It is worth noting that last year, 31 polio cases were reported across the country, including three from Bannu-two from the Subdivision Wazir area (Seen Tanga) and one from Union Council Shamsi Khel.

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