 Now the Gambia has declared a public health emergency after two cases of polio virus were found in environmental sewage samples. A new sampling policy was put in place in the Gambia in May, or the support of the World Health Organization. Gambia declared a public health emergency on Wednesday after traces of the polio virus were found in sewage water samples. The sewage water in which the virus was detected was collected from the capital, Banjul, and the tourist hub of Kottu. Gambia's Minister of Health, Ahmadullah Minh Samate, said no case of polio had been confirmed among the population in the country. He said the government is also planning at least two mass vaccination campaigns targeting children under five. A new sampling policy was put in place in Gambia in May, with the support of the World Health Organization. The country routinely tests sewage waste for any traces of the virus. The Gambia was declared polio-free in 2004, according to the ministry. In August 2020, the WHO announced that polio had been eradicated from Africa after four consecutive years without reported cases, calling it a historic moment. Don't forget to hit the notification button so you get notified about fresh news updates.