Polioviruses believed to be derived from vaccines have been detected in samples from London’s wastewater in recent months. So far, however, no confirmed cases have been reported in the UK – where polio was eradicated two decades ago.
The UKHSA health authority believes the virus was imported by someone recently vaccinated abroad with a live form of oral vaccine.
The risk is low, but parents should ensure that their children have been fully vaccinated against the disease, UKHSA urges.
“The majority of the British population is protected through childhood vaccination, but in some parts of society where vaccine coverage is low, individuals may remain at risk,” said epidemiologist Vanessa Saliba, according to the BBC.
Extensive global efforts in recent decades have been close to eradicating polio, a crippling and potentially deadly viral disease that mainly affects children.