Polio is believed to be in circulation in the UK for the first time in decades.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that traces of poliovirus were found in sewage samples collected from a London sewage centre.
Officials say that there is likely to be spread between closely linked individuals in the north and east of the city as a result.
Investigations are now underway to establish if mass transmission of the virus is taking place.
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The last case of wild polio contracted in the UK was in 1984, the UKHSA said.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Cosultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “Vaccine-derived poliovirus is rare and the risk to the public overall is extremely low.
“Vaccine-derived poliovirus has the potential to spread, particularly in communities where vaccine uptake is lower.
“On rare occasions it can cause paralysis in people who are not fully vaccinated, so if you or your child are not up to date with your polio vaccinations, it’s important you contact your GP to catch up or if unsure check your Red Book.
“Most of the UK population will be protected from vaccination in childhood, but in some communities with low vaccine coverage, individuals may remain at risk.
“We are urgently investigating to better understand the extent of this transmission and the NHS has been asked to swiftly report any suspected cases to the UKHSA, though no cases have have been reported or confirmed so far.”
When are children vaccinated against polio?
NHS Scotland says that all children are vaccinated against polio in five separate doses as part of its routine childhood immunisation programme.
It is firstly given as part of the six in one vaccine at eight, 12 and 16 weeks of age.
The vaccine is then given again as part of a four in one pre-school booster at three years and four months of age.
A final dose is then given between 13 and 18 years of age as part of a three in one teenage booster.
How can I check if me and my child have been vaccinated?
The UKHSA is urging people to check their children are up to date with the polio vaccination programme.
If they are unsure on where their children are in their vaccination journey, people can request to see their medical history.
This can be requested through their local GP or with a hospital.
Scots are required to give a reason for their request, but you must outline which part of the record you would like a note of.
It is free to view your records for the first copy. Additional copies may cost extra due to admin charges.
NHS Scotland says that Scots usually receive their records within 30 days of making an application.
Can I get the vaccine as an adult?
NHS Scotland says that can get immunised at any point if you haven’t been fully vaccinated before - even if you’re not travelling somewhere where there’s a risk of infection.
If you are planning on travelling to a polio-affected country, then you should get immunised if you’ve not been before, or have a booster dose if it has been 10 years since your last dose.
People who have had polio in the past and have not been vaccinated are still recommended to get the jab.
Polio immunisation is routinely offered for free on the NHS.
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