Polio virus discovered in London sewage

June 22, 2022Updated: June 22, 2022 10:45 a.m.

Model of a polio virus capsid (the green spherical organism) binding to polio virus receptors (the protruding multicoloured molecules). Isolated on black.

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The virus that causes Polio has been found in sewage samples in the United Kingdom.

According to several reports, including the BBC, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency analyzed sewage samples over a four-month period from a facility that serves north and east London. 

Within the last hour, a national incident (somewhat similar to a state of emergency in the U.S.) has been issued by the U.K. Health Security Agency. 

U.K. officials are urging citizens to have themselves and their children up to date on their immunizations.

Dr. Mark Hamed, the medical for eight counties in Michigan, calls the polio detection “concerning.” 

The Mayo Clinic defines polio as “a contagious viral illness that in its most severe form causes nerve injury leading to paralysis, difficulty breathing and sometimes death.” The last polio case in the U.S. was 1979.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

Dominic Genetti was born and raised in St. Louis and has been in the media industry since 2003. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwest Missouri State University, and has covered a variety of subjects including hard news, courts, enterprise features, and sports. From 2011 to 2013, Genetti wrote a syndicated baseball column that published daily throughout the country. He was also awarded the “Community Service” award from the Missouri Press Association for his efforts to bring light to a historic cemetery in disrepair in Hannibal, Missouri. Multimedia coverage is also part of Genetti’s repertoire. In 2011 he was named the GateHouse Media Videographer of the Year. Genetti has worked for newspapers in Missouri, Iowa, Texas, and Illinois.

Angela Mulka has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, focused on environmental science and health reporting, from Michigan State University. She realizes the importance of representation for all people in storytelling and values the field because of its commitment to uncovering truth. Born and raised in Michigan, Angela hopes to become a voice for the natural world to protect our planet for generations to come. Connect with her on Twitter @angelamulka.