Poliovirus on the rise in Pakistan amidst unprecedented floods and COVID‐19 pandemic: An urgent concern

Abstract

Abstract Background Poliomyelitis is always a great concern in Pakistan and is a public health emergency. COVID‐19 and recent floods have increased the challenge. Aim This article highlights the situation of polio in Pakistan and also recommends several steps to eradicate the disease as early as possible. Methodology Selected articles were selected from electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using keywords such as Wild Poliovirus, Vaccine Derived Polio Infection, Acute Flaccid Paralysis, Vaccine, and Pakistan. Result Polio infection has two types, wild poliovirus and vaccine‐derived polio infection. 2019 and 2020 were a challenging time as cases were increased at that time in Pakistan. Acute flaccid paralysis is the most common complication of this disease. The maximum cases of polio are being reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Conclusion A special public health importance should be given in this province. Regular vaccination and strict surveillance are important. It is also important to spread awareness among the people. Early identification and timely diagnosis are very important. Early diagnosis, proper timely treatment, vaccination, awareness, and community‐based research will help Pakistan to eradicate this disease as early as possible.

Keywords

• acute flaccid paralysis
• Pakistan
• vaccine
• vaccine‐derived polio infection
• wild poliovirus