Expert calms polio concerns

Sewage samples in London have tested positive for polio _ but a leading northeast expert says there’s “certainly” nothing to fear locally.

During the 1950s, polio was rife across the UK but it had been wiped out by 2003 due to vaccination.

Now, decades later, the virus has been found again in London, sparking fears it will spread across the country.

But Sir Hugh Pennington, emeritus professor of bacteriology at Aberdeen University, says there is no need for residents of the region to be concerned about contracting the disease.

He said: “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.

“In Nigeria and Afghanistan for example, there’s been a little bit of hesitation from some about getting the vaccination.”

He added: “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.”

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 that may occur include a high temperature, extreme tiredness, headaches, vomiting, stiff neck and muscle pain.

It’s usually tackled early on, with vaccination in the UK which occur 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.

It’s thought the current example may have come from someone who was immunised with 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.

However, some countries still use a live oral version, with a weakened form of polio.

In rare cases, this can mutate and spread to other people.

Sir Hugh explained: “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.”

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 have had polio may also develop post-polio syndrome which means symptoms of the virus can reoccur even decades later.

REASSURANCE: Professor Sir Hugh Pennington.