Israel’s Health Ministry confirmed on Thursday that the polio virus was detected in wastewater samples from Bnei Brak, Ramle, Lod, and the Shafdan treatment facility, following earlier findings in the Jerusalem area. The virus is circulating in the population and previously caused paralysis in a 17-year-old in December 2024.
Authorities urge all unvaccinated individuals to complete their polio vaccinations at local clinics or student health services. Health providers are also instructed to intensify monitoring for signs of acute flaccid paralysis and continue environmental sampling to track the virus.
"If a child's vaccination status is unknown, it can be checked on the personal government website via the digital vaccination booklet," the Health Ministry shared in a statement.
Polio is a highly contagious virus that is usually caught by ingesting contaminated water or food. Severe cases can lead to paralysis, respiratory problems, and death.
While most infected individuals (90-95%) are asymptomatic, some develop mild symptoms such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, and appetite loss. Around 4-8% experience meningitis, a condition that typically resolves within a few days. Less than 1% of cases progress to paralytic polio, the most severe form of the disease.
The last polio case in Israel was in December 2024
The last person to be diagnosed with this disease in Israel was a 17-year-old in Jerusalem in December 2024. The Health Ministry confirmed the diagnosis during routine vaccinations, with verification coming from its virology lab.
Health officials launched an epidemiological investigation at that time to trace contacts and ensure vaccination for those who have not yet been immunized.
Almost nine months later, a new source of this disease was found in wastewater samples in Israel, triggering the authorities' alarms.
Avichai Chiim contributed to this report.