The occurrence of global polio is at its lowest level, yet the goal of eradication remains elusive with the ongoing circulation in the three remaining endemic countries. Developed countries have a low index of suspicion for polio – relying on astute clinicians to detect imported cases and high immunisation rates to prevent community outbreaks. Australia, like all polio-free countries, remains at risk of a polio importation until polio is eradicated globally. Gaps in routine immunisation coverage coupled with weaknesses in surveillance may put developed countries, such as Australia, at risk of high impact polio outbreaks.
Objective
Few countries have tested the sensitivity of their polio surveillance systems, undertaken a comprehensive risk assessment or questioned whether existing polio surveillance strategies are the optimal surveillance at this stage of the global eradication initiative. To address this issue, a risk assessment and review of Australia’s polio surveillance systems were undertaken to assess the potential risk of polio introduction by an infected person, product or specimen.