Polio Virus Detected in Quetta and Chaman Environmental Samples, Health Authorities Issue Alert

QUETTA: The presence of the Polio virus has been confirmed in environmental samples collected from Quetta and Chaman, prompting health authorities to issue an urgent alert and accelerate preventive measures.
According to the provincial health department, a total of 23 environmental samples were collected from different parts of the region during the current month. Out of these, four samples have so far tested positive for the virus, raising serious concern among experts.
Officials stated that three of the positive samples were taken from various blocks of Quetta, while one was collected from Chaman. Investigations suggest that the detected virus strain has been transmitted from Afghanistan.
Authorities highlighted that due to cross-border movement and population pressure in Quetta and Chaman, the risk of virus transmission remains significantly high. Reports for the remaining 19 samples are still awaited, after which further strategy will be developed.
The health department has begun considering special vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas and increasing the number of field teams. Parents have been urged to ensure that children under the age of five receive polio drops to help prevent the spread of the disease and protect public health.