Polio Virus Found in London Sewage: Alarming New Strain Discovered
Dangerous vaccine-like type 2 poliovirus (PV2) has been detected in multiple sewage samples from London’s Beckton Sewage Treatment Works between February and June 2022. Serving nearly 4 million people across North and East London, this discovery has set off alarm bells.
Virus Mutation Sparks Concern
The poliovirus found has evolved, with the latest samples showing 6 to 7 genetic changes from the original Sabin 2 vaccine strain. This means it’s now classified as vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2), raising concerns about potential spread in Northeast London.
Unlike previous isolated cases in the UK — just 1 to 3 detections per year — these samples are genetically connected, suggesting ongoing transmission.
How Did Polio Return to London?
The most likely source is a recently vaccinated person arriving from countries still using the oral polio vaccine (OPV) containing type 2 virus, such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Nigeria. The UK stopped using OPV in 2004, but other nations continue it in outbreak control campaigns.
Polio Symptoms and The UK’s Response
Health professionals are now on high alert to spot and report any suspected cases of acute flaccid paralysis/myelitis (AFP/AFM), the hallmark conditions of polio. These cause sudden weakness in limbs, breathing, and swallowing muscles, worsening within 10 days.
“The rapid onset of limb weakness often includes respiratory and swallowing muscles and can lead to severe paralysis,” experts warn.
Though polio has no cure, treatment focuses on symptom relief and preventing complications — including antibiotics to ward off infections, painkillers, exercise, and good nutrition.
Polio Isn’t Gone Yet
Europe was declared polio-free in 2002, but recent cases in Ukraine and now London show the virus can still resurface. Most infected people don’t show symptoms, but when they do, early signs include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Limb pain
This outbreak highlights a pressing need for vigilance to keep polio out of the UK — and safe from making a shocking comeback.
