<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>An unusual discovery in sewage in Victoria has sparked a health alert.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The state's Department of Health said it has found vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) in routine wastewater sampling in Melbourne.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>However it says it's not a case of polio.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-trains-industrial-dispute-new-years-eve-fireworks/819cd091-6234-40ea-bba9-8bfba8cbe53c"><strong><span>Sydney NYE fireworks to go ahead after union, government deal</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It's likely someone who had a live polio vaccine overseas has continued to 'shed' the virus since arriving in Victoria, they said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The presence of virus in wastewater poses no risk to Melbourne residents, as the sewage is thoroughly treated," Victoria Health said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The risk of disease transmission is considered very low, due to Victoria's high vaccination coverage and effective sewage treatment processes and the particular characteristics of the virus detected.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/polio-water-melbourne-vaccine/7ff3540a-d703-4cf8-bb35-22a818fd1cda" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-bushfires-boxing-day-warning-evacuated-residents-given-chance-to-return-home-emergencies-news/ae1b88fd-c327-4ea1-a4f4-3267d8e63cc6"><strong><span>Victoria braces for dire Boxing Day bushfire conditions</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This is a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring you are up to date with immunisations. Immunisation is the best protection against polio."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis and death. Australia remains polio-free.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Polio immunisation coverage in Victoria is extremely high with 95 percent of children at five years of age protected – above the national average, Victoria Health said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>However, childhood immunisation coverage has declined since 2021 and some populations in Victoria have lower coverage, it said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Children and adults who have not been fully vaccinated against polio are at greatest risk if exposed.</span></div></div>