09 Jun 2018 | 01:10 PM UTC
Pakistan: Polio outbreak in Balochistan /update 1
Officials confirm three polio cases in Balochistan in ongoing outbreak as of June 7
Event
According to Pakistani health officials, at least three confirmed cases of polio have been reported in Balochistan in 2018 as of June 7. According to local sources, the most affected area is 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.
