The polio virus has been detected in a concerning number of sewage samples in London, health officials have said.

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Health officials are concerned by the possibility of the polio virus spreading after samples were collected from the Beckton Sewage Treatment Works in London.The disease was common in the Uk back in the 1950's and was even eliminated by 2003.

The polio viruses that were found in the sewage samples have now been classified as a 'vaccine-derived' poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2).UK Health Secruity Agency (UKHSA) have reinforced that the risk to the majority of people is low, but advise parents to ensure that their children have been fully immunised against the disease.There are now urgent investigations proceeding to establish the extent of community transmission and to fully identify where the virus might have stemmed from.Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA commented:

"Vaccine-derived poliovirus is rare and the risk to the public overall is extremely low."Vaccine-derived poliovirus has the potential to spread, particularly in communities where vaccine uptake is lower. On rare occasions it can cause paralysis in people who are not fully vaccinated so if you or your child are not up to date with your polio vaccinations it's important you contact your GP to catch up or, if unsure, check your red book."Most of the Uk population will be protected from vaccination childhood, but in some communities with low vaccine coverage, individuals may remain at risk."We are urgently investigating to better understand the extent of this transmission and the NUS has been asked to swiftly report any suspected cases to the UKHSA, though no cases have been reported or confirmed so far."