"Significant" Discovery: Poliovirus Detected in Perth Wastewater for the First Time

Poliovirus type 2 detected in Subiaco wastewater. WA health authorities ramp up testing while reassuring the public that the risk of local transmission remains low.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 11:31 AM EDT

Source: news.com.au

The Detection at Subiaco

The virus was identified in a sample taken from the Subiaco wastewater treatment plant last month.

The Strain: Authorities confirmed the presence of a vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2).

Context: Similar strains have recently been detected in environmental samples across Europe, Africa, and Papua New Guinea.

Action Plan: Wastewater testing at the Subiaco site will be increased to a weekly schedule for at least the next six months.

Low Risk of Local Transmission