Poliovirus Detected in Wastewater Across Seven German Cities

The Robert Koch Institute confirms the presence of vaccine-derived poliovirus in wastewater, urging citizens to review their vaccination status.

Poliovirus traces have been found in wastewater samples from seven German cities, including Munich, Bonn, Cologne, Hamburg, Dresden, Düsseldorf, and Mainz.
The detected viruses are not wild polioviruses but vaccine-derived strains linked to oral polio vaccinations, which are no longer used in Germany.
Experts emphasize that the risk of infection is extremely low due to Germany's high vaccination rates, though unvaccinated individuals could be vulnerable.
Authorities recommend reviewing vaccination records and addressing any gaps, as a high immunization rate is key to preventing virus spread.
No active poliomyelitis cases or outbreaks have been reported in Germany, and the findings highlight the effectiveness of the country's wastewater monitoring systems.