Polio virus detected in London sewage samples.
Children are routinely vaccinated against polio in the UK, but uptake is lower than usual in London
"Most of the UK population will be protected from vaccination in childhood, but in some communities with low vaccine coverage, individuals may remain at risk," said Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA. Scientists believe the virus originated from someone who was immunised abroad with the live oral polio vaccine, which hasn't been used in the UK since 2004.In rare cases, that form of the virus can then be transmitted to others and mutate into what is known as "vaccine-derived" polio.
Health officials say this suggests there has been some spread between closely-linked individuals in London. "Parents can also check their child's vaccination status in their red book, and people should contact their GP practice to book a vaccination should they or their child not be fully up to date," she said.Polio is a rare disease and is spread after a person does not wash their hands properly after using the toilet and then touches food or water consumed by others, or in rarer cases by coughing and sneezing.
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