The discovery of the virus is related to routine sewage testing, which was introduced in Germany in 2021.The discovery was made more than 30 years after the last case of wild poliovirus infection was recorded in Germany“- reports Reuters.
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Where has wild poliovirus been detected?
When was the last case of polio recorded in Germany?
What is the risk of poliovirus infection for residents of Germany?
What contributed to the low risk of infection?
The agency, citing a statement from the Robert Koch Institute, reassures us that the risk of infection for residents is “very low” — no case of illness has been recorded. A high level of vaccination plays a huge role in this.
Polio was almost completely eradicated
Europe has been considered polio-free since 2002 – the wild form of the disease is less common, mainly in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In 2024, 407 cases of polio were reported worldwide.
Polio, or Heine-Medina disease, is an infectious viral disease that spreads mainly through the oral route. It most often affects children under 5 years of age. The pathogens responsible for this disease attack the nervous system, primarily the nerves in the spinal cord and the brain. In the most severe cases, the disease can quickly cause muscle paralysis, respiratory failure and even death.
