29 September 2022
Cosmos
Cosmos is a quarterly science magazine. We aim to inspire curiosity in ‘The Science of Everything’ and make the world of science accessible to everyone.
By Cosmos
The Science Briefing is a LiSTNR production.
Many have been surprised at the news poliovirus cases have re-emerged in the United States, and has been detected in wastewater in the United Kingdom and Israel.
Authorities are concerned as the incredibly debilitating disease was thought to be fully eradicated in these countries.
In nations like the United States and Australia, polio vaccine coverage is one of the highest among the routine immunisations administered to children.
So how is polio really eradicated in these nations?
Dr Sophie Calabretto talks to Cosmos Magazine journalist Matthew Agius about the re-emergence of polio, how it’s back and if Australians need to take heed of what’s happening overseas.
Read more: Polio has returned where it was previously eradicated, how is this possible?