The re-emergence of wild poliovirus type 1 in Africa and the role of environmental surveillance in interrupting poliovirus transmission

Although there has been a global reduction in wild poliovirus (WPV) type 1 cases, Africa has experienced a re-emergence of the disease. This article discusses the re-emergence of WPV in Africa, the transmission and pathogenesis of WPV, and the role of environmental surveillance and other strategies used to interrupt all WPV transmission in the region permanently.