New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) on Friday declared a polio emergency.

Hochul's polio emergency order will expand her state's vaccination efforts after the virus was detected in wastewater systems.

NY health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against polio, a disabling, paralytic virus that can infect a person's spinal chord.

"Polio immunization is safe and effective – protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses. Do not wait to vaccinate," Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said in a statement.