No need to panic – the polio virus isn’t lurking in New York City’s wastewater. However, it is important to be vigilant about other potential health risks in our water supply. Keep reading to learn more about what’s really in our water – and how to protect yourself.
Introduction
New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is investigating a recent finding of the poliovirus in city wastewater. This follows a similar discovery in Israel last year. The virus was found in a routine sample of sewage collected on October 2, 2018 from a Queens wastewater treatment plant. Additional testing is ongoing.
The Department is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to determine the significance of this finding and to develop next steps. This is a rapidly evolving situation and the Department will provide updates as more information becomes available.
What is polio virus?
Poliovirus is a contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis, breathing problems, and even death. The virus is most often spread through contact with contaminated water or food. It can also be spread through contact with an infected person, such as through close personal contact or sharing eating utensils. In some cases, the virus can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs or countertops.
There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented through vaccination. The polio vaccine is safe and effective and is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the disease.
Where is polio virus found?
Poliovirus can be found in the stool of an infected person for weeks or even months. The virus enters the environment through sewage and contaminated water. In areas with poor sanitation, the virus can spread easily from person to person, especially among children.
Polio used to be common in the United States. In 1952, there were over 21,000 cases of polio in the U.S. But thanks to vaccination, polio has been eliminated from the U.S. since 1979. There are still cases of polio in other parts of the world, however. That’s why it’s important for everyone to be vaccinated against polio.
What are the symptoms of polio virus?
Polio virus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe paralysis and even death. The majority of people who are infected with polio virus do not experience any symptoms, but for those who do, the most common symptom is fever. Other symptoms can include headache, muscle pain, stiffness in the neck and back, and weakness in the limbs. In some cases, polio virus can cause paralysis, which can lead to death.
How is polio virus spread?
Poliovirus is found in the faeces of an infected person and is usually spread through contact with contaminated faeces or oral/pharyngeal secretions. The virus enters the body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine, from where it may spread to the nervous system and cause paralysis.
Infection with poliovirus can result in a wide range of symptoms, from none at all, to mild flu-like illness (fever, sore throat, vomiting), to severe paralysis (which can be fatal). The severity of symptoms depends on the age of the person infected: children under five are most likely to develop severe symptoms. There is no specific cure for poliovirus infection, but there is an effective vaccine that can protect people from becoming infected.
How can polio virus be prevented?
There are many ways to prevent polio virus, including:
- getting the polio vaccine
- practising good hygiene
- ensuring food and water are clean
- avoiding contact with people who are sick
Treatment for polio virus
Polio is a virus that can cause paralysis or even death. There is no cure for polio, but there are treatments that can help people with the virus. One treatment is to receive vaccinations. Polio vaccinations help to prevent the virus from spreading and help to protect people who have not yet been infected with the virus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study showed that the poliovirus can be found in New York City’s wastewater, but it is unclear if this poses a risk to the public. More research is needed to determine if the virus can survive in treated water and if it can infect people who come into contact with it.