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Pakistan reports first poliovirus case in nearly 15 months
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Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where the poliovirus still exists
The Anews reported, citing Anadolu Agency that Pakistan reported its first polio case Friday (Apr 22) in nearly 15 months with a toddler paralyzed by the crippling disease in the northwest.
Dr. Shahzad Baig, Coordinator National Emergency Operations Centre for Pakistan Polio Eradication Program tweeted: "Deeply saddened to share that a 15-month-old boy has been paralyzed in North Waziristan, Southern KP [Khyber Pakhtunkwa], as #Pakistan confirms a wild #poliovirus case after nearly 15 months.:
Baig said: "I feel grieved but determined. This only strengthens our resolve to do more, to keep doing better, and do whatever it takes to ensure that no child ever again is paralyzed by polio." He added that all must play a part to create awareness among the public to vaccinate their children.
The nation's polio laboratory also confirmed the detection of a positive environmental sample collected April 5, from the Bannu district in KP province.
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Program said in a statement: "Both these viruses are closely related to each other."
Pakistan reported its last polio cases in Killa Abdullah, Balochistan on Jan. 27, 2021.
Malawi detects first case of wild poliovirus in Africa in more than five years
According to Pakistan Polio Eradication Program: "Wild poliovirus types 2 and 3 have been eradicated globally, while WPV1 cases are on a historic low. Two other WPV1 cases have been reported this year, one each in Afghanistan and Malawi."
It should be noted that Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where the poliovirus still exists.
Source: anews
