The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed the detection of two polio-related virus strains in wastewater samples taken from the Borchards Quarry Wastewater Treatment Plant, prompting heightened surveillance by health authorities. Officials stressed that no human cases or outbreaks have been recorded at this stage.
Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said the findings are being closely monitored as part of routine environmental surveillance systems used to detect early warning signs of potential disease spread.
Speaking to VOC News, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Chief Operating Officer Dr Saadiq Kariem said further investigations are underway to determine the origin of the virus traces.
“It was at the Borchards Quarry wastewater plant. That plant drains a large portion of the surrounding area, so we are still conducting further investigations to determine exactly where it originated,” Kariem said.
“At the moment, it remains indeterminate, but that is exactly what we are trying to establish through additional testing over the next week or two.”
He added that wastewater surveillance, widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains a key early warning tool for public health monitoring.
“We use it as an early warning signal. It tells us we need to increase surveillance, enhance testing, and refine our response strategy. At this stage, there is no need for public concern,” he said.
Kariem also urged parents to ensure that children remain up to date with routine immunisations, noting that declining vaccination rates have contributed to recent outbreaks of Measles and Diphtheria in the province.
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