The detection of poliovirus in Perth wastewater is a reminder that polio has not yet been eradicated globally, despite the risk to Australians remaining very low.
Poliovirus can appear in wastewater when it is shed by an infected person.
Infectious diseases physician Dr Philipp du Cros, Burnet Co‐Head of Tuberculosis Elimination and Implementation Science, said the key message for Australians is to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations.
“Globally, polio has been reduced by more than 99%, but as long as the virus exists anywhere, it remains a risk everywhere,” Professor du Cros said.
"There is ongoing transmission in wild-type Polio 1 in countries like Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is a vaccine-derived strain, which can circulate where vaccination coverage is low."
Vaccine-derived poliovirus is linked to the oral polio vaccine used in some countries. In areas with low immunisation coverage, the weakened virus in the vaccine can circulate and, in rare cases, mutate.
Vaccine-derived poliovirus isn't a sign that vaccines are failing, it's a sign that not enough people are receiving them. The solution is more vaccination, not less.
Australia uses the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which does not contain live virus and provides strong protection against all forms of polio.
“The inactivated Poliovirus vaccine (IPC) used in Australia is safe, does not contain live virus, and protects against all forms of polio,” Dr du Cros said.
"Polio is preventable through vaccination. Ongoing vigilance and support for immunisation programs, both locally and in neighbouring countries, are essential."
The Australian Centre for Disease Control describes polio as “a highly contagious viral disease ... [that] can lead to long-term disability and death.”
It said, “based on current information, the risk to the community is very low,” and there are no confirmed cases of polio in Australia.
Named after Nobel Laureate Sir Macfarlane Burnet – who helped demonstrate that multiple strains of poliovirus exist, paving the way for vaccine development – Burnet Institute continues to work with partners in Papua New Guinea to strengthen vaccination and disease surveillance across our region.
