The Gambia has declared polio outbreak a national public health emergency after two environmental samples collected from the sewage sides tested positive for polio virus type 2.

The sequence results showed the viruses detected in the Gambia are genetically linked.

However, health officials say, the virus is yet to be detected among the population. 

A massive vaccination program is set to be rolled out targeting over 300, 000 children throughout the country. 

The Gambia was certified polio free in 2004 after a successful vaccination against the virus.

The Minister of Health in the Gambia Ahmed Lamin Samateh made the announcement on the outbreak on Wednesday in Banjul.