Poliovirus, which at its worst can cause paralysis, detected in Perth’s wastewater, testing ramped up

A poliovirus strain has been detected in Perth’s wastewater.

The WA Health Department revealed that a mid-April sample contained a vaccine-derived Type 2 poliovirus — a strain previously identified in parts of Africa, Europe and Papua New Guinea.

The sample was part of a national surveillance program to catch early signs of the virus.

WA’s Chief Health Officer Clare Huppatz said while wastewater sampling would be ramped up, the detection was of very low risk to the population.

“The potential for this strain to circulate in a highly vaccinated population is very low and the poliovirus vaccination coverage in WA children is 92 per cent,” Dr Huppatz said.

“While this is a significant finding, this detection does not provide evidence of spread of the disease in WA.”

The presence of the virus in wastewater in Europe during 2024 and 2025 did not lead to anyone developing the disease, the department said.

It was most likely that a returning traveller to Perth from overseas was shedding the virus, Dr Huppatz said.

“Fortunately, Australia has an excellent vaccination program against poliovirus, which will protect the community against this strain,” she said.

“This does, however, serve as a timely reminder that poliovirus continues to circulate in other countries and the importance of making sure you and your family are fully vaccinated.”

Poliovirus has been eliminated from Australia since 2000.

Most people with poliovirus infection have no or mild symptoms but a small number can progress to paralysis, which includes severe muscle pain, weakness and involuntary movements.

The department is stepping up the frequency of wastewater poliovirus testing to keep an eye on the situation.

Under the National Poliovirus Response Plan, the Australian Centre for Disease Control reported the finding to the World Health Organisation.

“The WA Department of Health is working closely with the Australian Centre for Disease Control and will continue to monitor the situation,” Dr Huppatz said.

Vaccination status can be checked by accessing immunisation records on MyGov or through immunisation providers.

A free polio vaccine is available under the National Immunisation Program for children aged two months, four months, six months and four years.

It also available to those under 20 who are eligible for catch-up vaccination and refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age.