Catskills Mountains Wastewater Contains Poliovirus

Sullivan County, New York's Department of Public Health announced today it is working closely with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) in response to detecting poliovirus in wastewater samples within the County's borders in the Catskill Mountains.

Public Health Director Nancy McGraw explained in a press release on August 26, 2022, "I want to be clear, however, that to date, we have not had any cases of polio found in Sullivan County."

"And so long as all adults and children are up to date with their polio vaccinations, the disease poses no threat."

"The public should also be assured that there is no danger of contracting polio from drinking water," McGraw added."

"Typical transmission is via the oral-fecal route (touching fecal matter, then touching the mouth or face) and is of concern only to those who have not been vaccinated or for children who are behind in their immunizations."

"Providers should take time in every primary care visit with adults and children to ensure that they are up to date with the recommended vaccines for their age."

NYSDOH's media statement confirmed, based on evidence from earlier polio outbreaks, that hundreds of other people may be infected for every confirmed case of paralytic polio, such as in Rockland County.

Unvaccinated New Yorkers or those not up to date with vaccinations who live, work, go to school in or visit Rockland County, Orange County, New York City, and Sullivan County are at the highest risk of contracting the paralytic disease.

While there is no cure for polio, it is preventable through safe and effective immunization.

Following the U.S. CDC recommendations:

• All children should get four doses of the polio vaccine, with the first dose given at six weeks through 2 months of age, followed by one dose given at four months of age, 6 through 18 months old, and 4 through 6 years old.
• People who are unvaccinated or unsure if they have been immunized should receive three doses if they start the vaccine series after age 4.
• Adults who have only had 1 or 2 doses of the polio vaccine in the past should get the remaining 1 or 2 doses – it does not matter how long it has been since the earlier doses.
• Adults may get a one-time polio vaccination under certain conditions.

New Yorkers can learn more about polio immunization at this link. 

According to CDC, inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), which is the only polio vaccine that has been given in the United States since 2000, protects 99% of children who get all the recommended doses.

The IPV and polio combination vaccines are offered at most clinics and pharmacies throughout New York.

Note: Sullivan County is located in the Catskills Mountains, about 2 hours northwest of New York City, and has a population of about 78,000.

Additional polio vaccine news is posted at PrecisionVaccinations.com/Polio.

Updated with links on August 27, 2022.