Poliovirus Found in New York City Wastewater, Not Tap Water
Quick Take
Wastewater surveillance is a public health tool that can track the spread of pathogens. The virus that causes polio was detected in New York City sewage as part of such monitoring efforts. Social media posts, however, have incorrectly claimed the virus was found in tap water. Similar claims have been made about the monkeypox virus.
Full Story
Health officials announced on Aug. 12 that poliovirus, the virus that causes the paralytic disease polio, was identified in sewage from New York City, indicating the virus is circulating there and people who are not fully vaccinated against polio could be at risk.
While the virus was detected in wastewater as part of surveillance, people on social media are falsely saying that it was found in tap water.
Many of these claims focus around New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who in July promoted the city’s tap water in videos posted to his TikTok and Twitter accounts.
“Do you remember that time when Mayor Adam’s told everyone in New York City to drink the tap water? Anyways, they found Polio in the New York City Water,” reads one Instagram post that includes Adams’ original video.
