Poliovirus is spreading in New York. Here’s what you need to know

The virus could spread further in communities with low polio vaccination rates

Photo of a child receiving an oral dose of a polio vaccine

Oral polio vaccines (shown) have been a key tool in global efforts to eradicate the virus. But the vaccines contain weakened viruses that can replicate and spread to others, and can, in rare cases, regain the ability to cause disease and spark outbreaks among communities with low vaccination rates.

Ramesh Lalwani/Moment/Getty Images

A particular kind of poliovirus is spreading in the United States.