In a concerning update from Europe, routine wastewater surveillance has detected traces of poliovirus in Germany, Poland, and Spain since September 2023. While no actual cases of polio have been reported, these findings highlight an urgent need for increased vaccination awareness and public health vigilance across the continent.

Robb Butler, Director of the Division of Communicable Diseases, Environment and Health at WHO/Europe, praised the proactive approach taken by these countries. "Strong vigilance enabled them to quickly respond to this public health threat," he stated, emphasizing the importance of continued surveillance and high immunization rates.

Despite Europe having been free from endemic polio since 2022, the risk remains as long as any form of poliovirus is active anywhere in the world. Past incidents show how quickly the virus can re-emerge; for instance, outbreaks occurred in Tajikistan and Ukraine in 2021, and later in Israel and the UK in 2022. The current situation serves as a stark reminder that high vaccination levels are crucial in preventing the virus from securing a foothold in unprotected communities.

Recent data reveals that circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) was identified in sewage samples from major cities including Barcelona, Warsaw, Cologne, Bonn, Hamburg, and Munich. Alarmingly, this strain is genetically linked to a lineage that originated in Nigeria and continues to circulate predominantly in North and West Africa.

Currently, the detections in these three countries only pertain to environmental samples—no related polio cases have been reported. Nevertheless, health experts urge that the vaccination of every vulnerable child is non-negotiable to prevent potential paralysis or even death associated with the virus.

Germany, Poland, and Spain boast robust immunization programs, with national coverage estimated between 85-93% for the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) after three doses, offering substantial protection against poliovirus. However, gaps in vaccination coverage still exist within these nations.

In response to the recent detections, ongoing investigations and disease surveillance are pivotal. Authorities are assessing subnational immunity levels to pinpoint areas in need of urgent action, implementing initiatives to vaccinate unprotected children.

Polio, a highly infectious disease, crosses borders with alarming ease, stressing the necessity of eradicating the virus entirely. WHO/Europe, along with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, continues to collaborate with local public health authorities to monitor the situation and swiftly address any detections.

Your Child's Safety Matters

With the resurgence of poliovirus detections in Europe, now is the time to check your child's vaccination status. Don't let complacency jeopardize their health.