Pakistan: Fears of polio outbreak in Balochistan

Event

On Monday, May 28, health officials confirmed one polio case in Balochistan, bringing the total number of cases reported in the province in 2018 to two. According to local sources, the patient is an 18-month-old child in the Dukki district.

Context

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can result in paralysis. The virus is transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route and primarily affects children under the age of five. Around 0.5 percent of all infections result in permanent paralysis, with 5-10 percent of all paralysis cases resulting in death.

While a global campaign to end polio was largely successful, the disease continues to circulate in Pakistan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan.

Advice

Individuals in Pakistan are advised to verify their vaccination status and monitor developments to the situation.