Brits are being advised to check their polio vaccinations are up to date as traces of the virus were discovered in London sewage. An investigation is underway to protect the public as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared a national incident. The NHS has revealed the main symptoms for people to watch out for.
Several closely-related viruses were found in sewage samples collected from the London Beckton Sewage Treatment Works taken between February and May. The virus has continued to evolve and is now classified as a ‘vaccine-derived’ poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2), which on rare occasions can cause serious illness, such as paralysis, in people who are not fully vaccinated.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “Vaccine-derived poliovirus has the potential to spread, particularly in communities where vaccine uptake is lower. On rare occasions it can cause paralysis in people who are not fully vaccinated, so if you or your child are not up to date with your polio vaccinations it’s important you contact your GP to catch up or if unsure check your red book.”
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She added: “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."
But what exactly is polio, what are the symptoms and how can it be spread?
On the NHS website, it describes polio as a serious infection which is now very rare as it can be prevented with vaccination. It's mainly found in two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. It spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can be caught from food or water that's been in contact with the faeces of someone who has the virus.
The best way to prevent polio is to make sure you and your child are up to date with your vaccinations. The polio vaccine is part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination schedule. It is important to have all of these vaccinations to be fully vaccinated against polio. The vaccine is given when your child is:
- 8, 12 and 16 weeks old as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine
- 3 years and 4 months old as part of the 4-in-1 (DTaP/IPV) pre-school booster
- 14 years old as part of the 3-in-1 (Td/IPV) teenage booster
Treatment for polio will help your body fight off the infection and lower the risk of long-term problems. It can include: bed rest in hospital, painkillers, help with breathing and regular stretches and exercises to prevent problems with your muscles and joints People may need to have specialist help such as physiotherapy or surgery if they have any long-term problems caused by polio.
Most people who get polio do not have symptoms. Some people get mild, flu-like symptoms, such as:
- a high temperature
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- headaches
- being sick (vomiting)
- a stiff neck
- muscle pain
These symptoms usually last up to 10 days. Rarely, polio can cause difficulty using your muscles (paralysis), usually in the legs. This can happen over hours or days. It's not usually permanent and movement will slowly come back over the next few weeks or months. But it can be life threatening if the paralysis affects the muscles used for breathing.
However, polio can cause long-term or lifelong difficulties. Some people may be permanently paralysed, and others may have problems that need long-term treatment and support. This can include muscle weakness, problems with your joints and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
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