Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease that mainly affects children under 5. The virus spreads person-to-person, primarily through the fecal-oral route or less commonly via contaminated food or water. It multiplies in the intestine and can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis.
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Polio Crisis
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two countries in the world where polio remains endemic. Security issues, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation have slowed global efforts to eradicate the virus.
The NEOC stated that the three recent cases were reported from Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, the PM’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, expressed deep concern and urged, “Parents should fulfill their responsibility; vaccination of children should be compulsory.”
She added, “The govt of Pakistan is more determined than ever to eradicate polio.”
“Dengue Cases on the Rise in Punjab”
The Punjab Health Department reported 70 new dengue cases in the province in the last 24 hours.
A spokesperson reported 60 cases in Rawalpindi, three in Lahore, two each in Chakwal, Lodhran, and Attock, and one in Gujranwala.
Meanwhile, 326 new cases of dengue virus infections emerged in the past week, increasing the total number of cases in Punjab to 958 for 2024.
A spokesperson assured the public that preventive measures are in place and that government hospitals are stocked with dengue treatments.
The health department urged citizens to keep their surroundings clean and dry to prevent mosquito breeding amid rising cases.
The department urged cooperation with health teams to control the outbreak and announced a free helpline for treatment. Health officials emphasized the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to contain the virus’s spread in the province.
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