File: Scientist culturing bacteria in petri dishes in a laboratory. GPR/Science Photo Library via AFP
CAPE TOWN - The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has detected two poliovirus strains in Cape Town’s wastewater treatment plant.
The finding comes after routine environmental monitoring and wastewater testing aimed at the early detection of possible outbreaks.
READ: Child vaccine catch-up drive on course to hit target: UN
According to the Health Department, the viruses detected are likely imported cases linked to individuals vaccinated with different vaccine strains outside South Africa.
Officials say this does not indicate an outbreak.
The department has described these as “vaccine events” and not confirmed human cases, adding that South Africa remains polio-free.
Surveillance and sampling have been increased as a precaution.