Wild-type polio virus 1 was isolated from routine sewage samples in Israel in April 2013, indicating reintroduction into the area in early February 2013.
Observational
The report highlights the insidious reintroduction of wild poliovirus into a previously polio-free country, detected through environmental surveillance.
Israel was certified as polio-free country in June 2002, along with the rest of the World Health Organization European Region. Some 11 years later, wild-type polio virus ₁ (WPV₁) was isolated initially from routine sewage samples collected between 7 and 13 April 2013 in two cities in the Southern district. WPV₁-specific analysis of samples indicated WPV₁ introduction into that area in early February 2013. National supplementary immunisation with oral polio vaccine has been ongoing since August 2013.
Anis et al. (Thu,) conducted a observational in Wild poliovirus 1 (WPV1). Wild-type polio virus 1 (WPV1) detection was evaluated on Isolation of WPV1 from routine sewage samples. Wild-type polio virus 1 was isolated from routine sewage samples in Israel in April 2013, indicating reintroduction into the area in early February 2013.