The virus that causes polio has been detected in New York Metropolis's wastewater weeks after a case of polio was recognized in Rockland County, north of town, well being officers introduced Friday.
The presence of the poliovirus within the metropolis's wastewater suggests seemingly native circulation of the virus, town and New York state well being departments stated.
"Polio can result in paralysis and even loss of life," the departments stated in a tweet. "We urge unvaccinated New Yorkers to get vaccinated now."
State Well being Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett stated the detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples in New York Metropolis is "alarming, however not shocking."
"The easiest way to maintain adults and youngsters polio-free is thru protected and efficient immunization – New Yorkers' biggest safety towards the worst outcomes of polio, together with everlasting paralysis and even loss of life," Bassett stated.
Earlier this month, New York state well being officers stated they discovered indications of further circumstances of poliovirus in wastewater samples from two totally different counties, main them to warn that a whole lot of individuals could also be contaminated with the doubtless critical virus.
Final month, the New York Well being Division reported the nation's first case of polio in nearly a decade, in Rockland County. Officers stated that case occurred in a beforehand wholesome younger grownup who was unvaccinated and developed paralysis of their legs.