Polio, a highly infectious viral disease, has been eradicated from India since 2011, yet the risk of reintroduction remains due to global transmission. To strengthen surveillance measures, a team of experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO)-National Public Health Support Network (NPSN) and the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Mumbai will conduct environmental surveillance (ES) for wild poliovirus (WPV) and vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) in Pune for the first time. This initiative aims to enhance public health monitoring and prevent potential outbreaks.

Surveillance Strategy: Identifying High-Risk Areas

Environmental surveillance involves analyzing sewage samples to detect the presence of poliovirus, providing an early warning system before any clinical cases emerge. Officials from the WHO-NPSN and district authorities conducted field visits across Pune’s urban areas to determine sewage collection sites for sampling.

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Following a thorough assessment of the sewerage drainage system and the demographic distribution of high-risk populations, two primary sewage treatment plants (STPs) have been identified for sample collection:

  1. Bhairoba Nala STP
  2. Baner STP

These sites have been chosen based on their catchment area, where the risk of poliovirus circulation is higher due to population density and sanitation conditions.

The Role of Environmental Surveillance in Polio Detection

Environmental surveillance serves as a vital public health tool to monitor poliovirus transmission in communities. It acts as a surrogate measure for the Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system, which primarily detects polio cases through clinical symptoms. By identifying poliovirus in wastewater before it causes outbreaks, authorities can take timely interventions such as vaccination campaigns and enhanced monitoring.

Sample Collection and Processing

According to Dr. Rajesh Dighe, Assistant Health Officer of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), environmental samples will be collected every month from the designated sites. The collection and transportation process will follow strict protocols, ensuring the samples remain at a controlled temperature until they reach ICMR-NIV in Mumbai for processing.

To ensure smooth operations, PMC has appointed:

  • A nodal officer to oversee coordination and logistics.
  • A dedicated team to manage sample collection, transportation, and documentation.

This systematic approach ensures that all collected samples are analyzed promptly, and necessary measures are implemented if poliovirus traces are detected.

Statewide Environmental Surveillance and Pune’s Role

Maharashtra has been conducting environmental surveillance at six sites in Mumbai, in alignment with global guidelines. According to Dr. Babita Kamlapurkar, Joint Director of Health Services, any city with a Poliovirus Essential Facility (PEF) must have a functional environmental surveillance system.

Since Pune is home to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), which serves as a PEF, the city has been identified as a crucial surveillance location. Consequently, authorities have instructed PMC to establish necessary arrangements for sewage sample collection and processing.

Why Environmental Surveillance Matters Despite India Being Polio-Free

Although India has been officially polio-free for 13 years, the risk of poliovirus importation persists due to:

  • Global poliovirus circulation, especially in countries where WPV and VDPV outbreaks occur.
  • International travel and migration, which can introduce poliovirus into vulnerable communities.
  • Pockets of low immunization coverage, which create conditions for potential outbreaks.

By implementing environmental surveillance in Pune, authorities can strengthen India’s defense against poliovirus reintroduction and ensure that the polio-free status is maintained.

Government Directives and Future Plans

To streamline operations, the Maharashtra state government has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation to:

  1. Appoint a nodal officer to coordinate sample collection and shipment.
  2. Ensure that each STP has a designated officer for timely sample collection.
  3. Regularly analyze and report findings to public health agencies for intervention if required.

This proactive approach aligns with India’s commitment to global polio eradication efforts and reinforces the importance of environmental surveillance in disease prevention.

The decision to conduct environmental surveillance for poliovirus in Pune marks a significant step toward strengthening public health monitoring. By identifying potential risks early, authorities can take preventive measures, protect vulnerable communities, and uphold India’s polio-free status. With the support of WHO, ICMR-NIV, and district officials, Pune is set to become a key player in the fight against poliovirus through rigorous environmental monitoring and timely intervention strategies.