Polioviruses Detected in Five European Countries: A wake-Up Call for Vaccination Efforts
Polioviruses have been detected in wastewater samples across five european countries, including Germany, Spain, Poland, the UK, and Finland, according to a recent study published in the journal Eurosurveillance by the EU health authority ECDC.The findings, which span from September to December 2024, have raised concerns about the potential spread of the virus and the state of vaccination coverage in the region.
In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported that polioviruses were found in all seven regularly tested cities: Munich, Bonn, Cologne, hamburg, Dresden, Düsseldorf, and Mainz. Meanwhile, in Finland and Spain, only one in five and two sampling points, respectively, were affected.Poland saw detections at two out of eight sites, while the UK recorded findings at four out of twelve locations. Repeated detections at some sites suggest a persistent presence of the virus.
“A Wake-Up Call”
The detected polioviruses are not the wild type but are linked to the oral polio vaccine (OPV), which uses live, attenuated pathogens. This vaccine is no longer used in Germany or the other affected countries,leading scientists to conclude that the viruses were likely introduced from regions where OPV is still administered,such as Africa and Asia.
Researchers from institutes and authorities in the affected countries, along with the European office of the World Health Institution (WHO), described the findings as “a wake-up call.” They emphasized that the genetic linkage of the strains suggests a broader geographical spread beyond the current sampling points.
The Threat of Polio
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious infectious disease that can lead to permanent paralysis or even death.The virus spreads primarily through contaminated water and has no known cure. While global vaccination campaigns have nearly eradicated the disease,the recent detections highlight the ongoing risk posed by low vaccination rates.
In Germany, only 21% of one-year-olds have completed their basic polio immunization, despite recommendations that it should be finished by 12 months of age. Although catch-up vaccinations increase this figure to 77% by age two, the gap leaves many children vulnerable. According to the RKI, unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals can contract polio from viruses derived from the oral vaccine, albeit rarely.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Country | Sampling Points affected | Total Sampling Points |
|————-|——————————|—————————|
| Germany | 7 | 7 |
| Finland | 1 | 5 |
| Spain | 2 | 5 |
| Poland | 2 | 8 |
| UK | 4 | 12 |
The Path Forward
The detection of polioviruses in wastewater serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination. While the viruses detected are not wild-type, their presence underscores the need for vigilance and improved immunization efforts. As the researchers noted, the findings are a call to action for public health authorities and communities to ensure that vaccination coverage meets the necessary thresholds to prevent outbreaks.
For more details on polio and vaccination efforts, visit the ECDC’s disease factsheet. Stay informed, stay protected, and ensure your family’s vaccinations are up to date.