Deadly disease not seen in Australia for nearly 20 years detected in wastewater in Perth
9news.com.au/national/poliovirus-detected-in-waste-water-perth/ea171b6b-9a3f-43c8-a931-6971eccabd05
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Poliovirus Found in Perth Wastewater After DecadesIn April 2026, vaccine-derived poliovirus was detected in Perth sewage, marking the first such finding in Australia in over 50 years.
Key FactsMay 1, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: 9news.com.au
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: 9news.com.au
- A vaccine-derived poliovirus strain was identified in untreated wastewater at the Subiaco treatment plant in mid-April 2026.
- Australia remains polio-free with no recorded clinical cases or evidence of local transmission linked to this detection.
- The strain is likely connected to an overseas individual and poses minimal risk due to the country's high immunization rates.
- Wastewater testing frequency will increase to weekly for six months to monitor any potential changes.
No cases of polio have been identified, and there is no evidence of local transmission.— Professor Zoe Wainer, Director-General of the Australian Centre for Disease Control, commenting on the Perth wastewater poliovirus detection
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used water from any combination of domestic, industrial, commercial or agricultural activities, surface runoff / storm water, and any sewer inflow or sewer infiltration
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‘Significant’: Poliovirus detected in Australia: A poliovirus strain has been detected in Australian wastewater for the first time, triggering a surge in testing ...
news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/significant-poliovirus-detected-in-one-western-australian-wastewater/news-story/df9ba1bdebf79afd2bf9001e126c218a
Poliovirus detected in Perth wastewater: Poliovirus has been detected in a sample taken from a wastewater in Perth, the Health Department reveals.
abc.net.au/news/2026-05-01/poliovirus-detected-in-perth-wastewater-/106621850
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