Can polio spread through water?

Poliovirus leaves an infected person in stool. If sewage enters drinking water, or if hands contaminate water during collection or preparation, another person may swallow the virus. The same route can involve food, utensils, or surfaces. A person may spread the virus without knowing they are infected.

Safe water reduces this route of transmission but does not remove every risk. Poliovirus can also move through close contact and contaminated hands. Vaccination is the central protection against serious infection.

Use water from a trusted treated supply for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, and preparing infant feeds. Follow local instructions if the supply is questioned; boiling or another approved treatment may be advised. Wash hands with soap after toilet use and nappy changes, then before food preparation.

Keep drinking-water containers covered and separate from containers used for waste. Make sure children receive recommended immunisations, and ask a clinic about catch-up vaccination if records are incomplete.

Contact a clinician after a suspected contaminated-water exposure if fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, unusual tiredness, or weakness develops. Seek emergency care for new limb weakness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or inability to move part of the body. These neurological signs require immediate assessment.

Ask whether your water exposure needs follow-up, which symptoms to monitor, and whether your household’s polio vaccination records are complete.