Polio danger in Germany: Doctors warn of undetected cases!

Polio danger in Germany: Doctors warn of undetected cases!

What's going on in Germany? Today, World Polio Day, urgent attention is being drawn to the pressing challenges surrounding poliomyelitis. Polioviruses have been discovered in the wastewater of several German cities, indicating undetected polio cases. Dr. med. Martina Wenker, President of the Lower Saxony Medical Association, advises the population to check their vaccination protection. Loud Lower Saxony Medical Association Only around 21% of one-year-old children in Germany are fully vaccinated against polio.

A worrying picture emerges when you look at the vaccination rate. Just 77% of two-year-old children have achieved full vaccination protection. The danger should not be underestimated: poliomyelitis, often known as polio, is highly contagious and, if severe, can lead to lifelong paralysis. The high number of asymptomatic infections should also be noted - more than 95% of those infected show no symptoms, while others tend to have non-specific complaints such as fever and sore throat.

Risk groups and need for recommendations

Immunodeficient adults and children whose vaccinations are inadequate are particularly at risk. Dr. Wenker encourages parents and those affected to take a look at their vaccination records: 'Check your children's vaccination protection - this can save lives.' The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) already pointed out the risks last year and found that transmission is increasingly likely in Germany, although no cases of polio have been documented to date.

However, there is also visible progress in combating poliomyelitis at a global level. Since its founding in 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has aimed to eradicate the pathogen worldwide. Their action plan, based on current data and developed through extensive consultation, focuses on the most effective measures to sustain progress towards a polio-free world. The hexavalent vaccine is currently very popular: it combines five vaccines in one dose and makes vaccination campaigns easier because it only requires three injections instead of five, which is particularly useful for young children.

Global challenges in view

But the path to eradicating polio is anything but easy. In a few countries, particularly Afghanistan and Pakistan, wild-type poliovirus remains endemic. The challenge here is particularly great, as political instability and uncertainty are hindering vaccination efforts. Nevertheless, vaccination efforts worldwide have reduced the number of polio cases by over 99% since 1988, hailed as a significant success by the CDC.

In conclusion, despite the positive progress, efforts must continue to be made both in Germany and worldwide. The message is clear: vaccination protects not only your own child, but also the community.