Poliovirus Detections in Europe Underscore Urgency for Continued Vigilance
In Europe, a significant rise in poliovirus detections in recent months has raised alarms about the need to maintain a polio-free status. An editorial by Pamela Rendi Wagner, Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and Hans Kluge, Regional Director for Europe at the World Health Organization (WHO), published in Eurosurveillance, warns that the fight against polio is not yet over. They emphasize, “A future without polio remains our goal, but it is by no means a certainty.“
Kluge and Rendi Wagner stress the importance of continuous vigilance through robust surveillance systems, swift response, and maintaining high vaccination coverage in every community. This approach aligns with strategies outlined in the European Immunization Agenda 2030, GPEI Polio Eradication Strategy, and the Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan.
Ongoing Risk Highlighted by Recent Detections
Though polio was eradicated from Europe in 2002 due to successful vaccination and surveillance efforts, the virus continues to pose a threat due to global circulation. Since 2015, poliovirus has been detected annually in at least one European country. In 2024, vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 was found in wastewater systems in 14 cities across five countries—Spain, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Finland.
Genetic analysis traces this strain back to Nigeria, where it was first detected in 2020. Since then, it has spread to 21 other African countries, causing outbreaks in 15. Before its detection in Europe, the virus had circulated elsewhere for over a year.
Although there is no evidence of widespread circulation in Europe, these cases highlight the potential for outbreaks, especially among unvaccinated populations. This has been demonstrated in recent outbreaks in Tajikistan, Ukraine, Israel, and the United Kingdom.
Public Health Action Urgently Needed
Rendi Wagner and Kluge emphasize the critical need to maintain high vaccination coverage. Despite high immunization rates in the five countries that detected polio in 2024, disparities in some communities leave them vulnerable. According to ECDC estimates, 2.4 million children in the EU/EEA may not have received the required vaccination course between 2012 and 2021, with an additional 600,000 children potentially missing vaccinations in 2022-2023.
In response to these detections, ECDC has released a Rapid Risk Assessment recommending urgent actions to prevent and control potential virus transmission. WHO Europe has also issued guidance to help nations address vaccination disparities.
Kluge and Rendi Wagner reiterate their commitment to supporting national and local public health authorities. This support includes technical expertise, resources for surveillance and outbreak response, data exchange, genetic sequencing of virus strains, and improved risk communication and community engagement strategies. They affirm, “Europe remains committed to its role in the global efforts toward polio eradication and has the capacity to do so successfully.“
Commitment to Eradication
The renewed emphasis on vigilant surveillance and vaccination underscores Europe’s resolve to maintain a polio-free status. vigilance in monitoring for the virus and ensuring that all communities are vaccinated are essential steps to preventing future outbreaks.
The cooperation between ECDC and WHO highlights a unified front in the fight against polio. By addressing disparities in vaccination coverage and implementing robust surveillance systems, Europe is taking critical steps toward achieving polio eradication.
“Persistence is key,” states Kluge and Rendi Wagner. “Our commitment to eradicating polio is unwavering, and we are prepared to face any challenges that come our way.”
Your Role in Eradicating Polio
Individuals and communities play a crucial role in ensuring high vaccination coverage. By staying informed about vaccination schedules and prioritizing vaccination in their communities, everyone can contribute to the goal of a polio-free world.
As citizens, it is essential to stay vigilant and support public health initiatives. Encouraging friends and family to get vaccinated and participating in vaccination campaigns are simple yet effective ways to contribute to global eradication efforts.
Join the fight against polio by ensuring that you and your loved ones are up to date with vaccinations. Your actions can make a significant difference.
Stay informed, stay vaccinated, and remain committed to a polio-free future.
What do you think? How can we collectively ensure that polio is eradicated once and for all? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Together, we can keep Europe, and the world, polio-free.
