Public health officials have declared a national incident after sewage samples in London tested positive for polio. But a leading north-east expert says there’s “certainly” nothing to fear locally.
During the 1950s, polio was rife across the UK but it was wiped out by 2003 due to the vaccine.
Now, decades later, the virus has been found in sewage in London, sparking fears it will spread across the country.
However, Sir Hugh Pennington wants to reassure everyone that the chances of catching it are almost none.
The emeritus professor of bacteriology at Aberdeen University says: “Unless you drink the sewage, there’s no risk.
“I would be very surprised if there would be any risk to people in the north-east.
“The polio vaccination is still going on, it will be from a person who’s come to the country from the one or two countries where polio hasn’t been eradicated yet.
Vaccination
“In Nigeria and Afghanistan for example, there’s been a little bit of hesitation from some about getting the vaccination.”
He adds: “Finding any virus is a case for concern, but I don’t think there’s any risk to people living in London and certainly not anybody in the north-east.”
What is polio and how do we spot it?
Polio is a serious viral infection which can cause nerve injury – and potentially escalate into partial or full paralysis.
Most people with polio don’t display any symptoms but some which may occur include a high temperature, extreme tiredness, headaches, vomiting, stiff neck and muscle pain.
It’s usually tackled early on, with vaccines in the UK occurring when a baby is eight, 12 and 16 weeks old as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine.
Boosters are given to three- and 14-year-olds.
Where did polio in London come from?
It’s thought it may have come from someone who was immunised using a live polio vaccine. That hasn’t been used in the UK since 2004.
Here, an inactivated – non-infectious – version is used as part of a child’s jabs.
But some other countries use a live oral version, with a weakened form of polio.
In rare cases, this can mutate and spread to others.
Sir Hugh explains: “There are two kinds of polio viruses. The vaccinated-related one doesn’t cause disease, but you can find it if you look in the sewage.
“It may well have been from someone vaccinated from polio.
“The likelihood there will be any cases is almost zero.”
Treatment: What if I get polio?
In the unlikely event someone does contract polio, it can be treated through bed rest in hospital, painkillers, help with breathing and regular stretching or exercise.
In some circumstances, a patient may require specialist help such as physiotherapy or surgery if they suffer any long-term problems.
These complications include muscle weakness, joint problems and swallowing difficulties.
The NHS says some people who’ve had polio can also develop post-polio syndrome which means symptoms of the virus may reoccur even decades later.
Conversation