Polio Virus Detected in Wastewater of Four German Cities

Authorities confirm the presence of vaccine-derived polioviruses in wastewater samples, urging vigilance despite low risk due to high vaccination rates.

Polioviruses were identified in wastewater samples from Munich, Bonn, Cologne, and Hamburg, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
The detected viruses are not wild polioviruses but originate from oral polio vaccines (OPV) still used in some countries, such as in parts of Africa and Asia.
No cases of polio infection or suspected cases have been reported in Germany, where vaccination coverage is at 90%.
The RKI has advised healthcare professionals to monitor for polio-like symptoms and recommended closing any remaining vaccination gaps.
Similar findings of vaccine-derived polioviruses have recently been reported in wastewater samples from Spain and Poland, highlighting the global challenge of eradicating polio.