Dangerous polio
Polio viruses discovered in wastewater from other German cities
updated on december 4, 2024 – 4:37 p.mreading time: 2 min.
Before vaccination was introduced, hundreds of people died of polio every year in Germany. Today polio is considered to be almost eradicated. But now there is a worrying development.
After polio viruses were found in Munich, Bonn, Cologne and Hamburg, the pathogens have now also been detected in samples from other German cities. There were positive tests from sewage treatment plants in dresden, Düsseldorf and Mainz, as the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced. The pathogen was detected in all seven cities that were regularly examined. The tests have been carried out as 2021.
The pathogens that were discovered in mid to late November are not the wild type of polio virus, but rather viruses that originate from the oral vaccination against polio with weakened but live polio pathogens. The weakened vaccine viruses can be excreted and spread by vaccinated people for up to six weeks.
If someone receives the oral vaccination, both the person being vaccinated and their contacts can – in very rare cases – become ill with so-called vaccine polio. Oral vaccination is particularly widespread in Asia and Africa. In this country, only an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is vaccinated, which is injected into the muscle.
With the help of the evidence, it cannot be said with certainty whether polioviruses circulate within Germany or whether they were only excreted by people who were infected outside of Germany, explained the RKI. “However, it is conceivable that people in this country can pass on the viruses and – if unvaccinated – some of them will also develop poliomyelitis,” it said.
Any possible local circulation must therefore be stopped quickly in any case. The RKI announced that it had informed the state authorities of all federal states about the further evidence.
The last case of poliomyelitis caused by wild viruses acquired in Germany was recorded in 1990. The last two imported cases were reported to have been registered in 1992.
Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious disease that can cause permanent paralysis in people who are not sufficiently immunized. The RKI advises that existing vaccination gaps should be closed. Medical and public health workers should now be more vigilant for symptoms typical of poliomyelitis.
Polio is also called polio becuase the pathogen was once so widespread that contact with it usually occurred in childhood. Young children in particular were affected by polio-typical paralysis – usually with permanent damage for their entire life. To date there is no therapy.
According to the RKI, the nationwide vaccination rate is around 90 percent. The Standing Vaccination Commission recommends vaccination at the ages of 2, 4 and 11 months. A booster vaccination is recommended between the ages of 9 and 16.People who have been fully vaccinated against polio are protected against the disease.
The highly contagious virus is usually spread via contaminated hands as a so-called smear infection, and in countries with inadequate hygiene standards also via contaminated water. Polio has been considered almost eradicated worldwide for years due to committed vaccination campaigns.
How can communities effectively combat vaccine hesitancy in the face of recent polio virus findings?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Julia Fischer, Epidemiologist
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Fischer, and thank you for joining us today as we delve into a concerning topic that has resurfaced: the detection of polio viruses in wastewater across various German cities. Can you help us understand the implications of these findings?
Dr. Fischer: Thank you for having me.The finding of polio viruses in wastewater is indeed alarming. It indicates that the virus is still circulating in the community,which poses a risk to public health,especially among those who are unvaccinated.
Editor: Before we explore the recent developments, could you provide a brief overview of polio and its past context in Germany?
Dr. Fischer: Absolutely. Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to paralysis, and in severe cases, death. Before vaccination became widespread, polio was a significant health threat in Germany, leading to hundreds of deaths each year. Thanks to effective vaccination programs, we have seen polio nearly eradicated—until now.
Editor: It’s a significant achievement that we must not take for granted. Now, with the recent findings in cities like Munich, Bonn, Cologne, and Hamburg, how serious is this development?
Dr.Fischer: The presence of polio viruses in wastewater samples from multiple cities suggests community transmission. This could be a signal that we need to enhance surveillance and vaccination efforts. In communities with lower vaccination rates, the risk of an outbreak increases.
Editor: Given the successful vaccination campaigns of the past, why do you think we are seeing this resurgence? Are there specific factors at play?
Dr. Fischer: Several factors contribute to this situation. Vaccine hesitancy is a significant issue; some people are choosing not to vaccinate based on misinformation or fears about vaccine safety.Additionally, global travel can introduce viruses into populations that may have lower immunity.
Editor: That makes sense. What measures can be taken to mitigate this risk and ensure public safety?
Dr. Fischer: The most effective measure is to increase vaccination coverage. Public health campaigns that explain the benefits of vaccination and address misconceptions are crucial. We also need to enhance wastewater surveillance and collaborate with healthcare providers to identify and respond to cases promptly.
Editor: What advice would you give to parents who might potentially be unsure about vaccinating their children against polio?
Dr.Fischer: I encourage parents to speak with medical professionals who can provide evidence-based data about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The risks of polio—paralysis and even death—far outweigh the minimal risks associated with the vaccine. Vaccination not only protects their children but also helps safeguard the community as a whole.
editor: Thank you for that critically important insight, Dr. Fischer. As we look towards the future, what are the prospects for polio eradication given the recent findings?
Dr. Fischer: While the recent detection of polio viruses is concerning, it also presents an opportunity for us to double down on our efforts. Continuous vaccination, robust community education, and swift public health responses can help us maintain the progress we’ve made. If we act quickly and effectively, there’s still a strong chance we can prevent an outbreak and continue the fight against polio.
editor: That’s a hopeful note to end on. Thank you, Dr. Fischer, for your expertise and insights on such an important public health issue. We hope to see proactive measures implemented to safeguard against the resurgence of this risky virus.
Dr. Fischer: Thank you for shedding light on this topic. Awareness and action are crucial in maintaining public health.