The Government of Western Australia Department of Health reports the national polio surveillance program has detected poliovirus in a wastewater sample taken from a wastewater catchment in Perth in mid-April 2026.
The wastewater detection demonstrated evidence of a vaccine derived poliovirus Type 2 strain, similar to what has been detected in the wastewater of various countries globally in recent years, including in Africa, Europe and Papua New Guinea.
Western Australia’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Clare Huppatz, said this single wastewater polio detection event 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.”
“This finding is most likely from someone who has travelled overseas and is shedding this virus strain,” she said.
“Fortunately, Australia has an excellent vaccination program against poliovirus which will protect the community against this strain.
“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.”
In response to this detection, the WA Department of Health is increasing the frequency of wastewater poliovirus testing in the Perth metropolitan area and working with clinicians to enhance existing systems for detecting polio in WA hospitals.
Under the National Poliovirus Response Plan, the Australian Centre for Disease Control reported the finding to the World Health Organization.
“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.
Free polio vaccine is available under the National Immunisation Program for children aged 2, 4, 6 months and 4 years, people under 20 years who are eligible for catch-up vaccination and refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age.