Polio alarm in the Havelland: Vaccination rate drops, health risk increases!

Polio alarm in the Havelland: Vaccination rate drops, health risk increases!

In the past few weeks, an alarming news has been circulating: Polioviruses have been demonstrated in sewage treatment plants of several German cities. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced on July 3, 2025 that numerous wastewater samples from cities such as Munich, Cologne and Bonn showed viruses that are connected to the dreaded paralysis. Fortunately, while the situation is worrying for many, no transmissions or illnesses have so far been reported, according to the Rki.

The Health Department of the Havelland district has already called for citizens to check their vaccination protection against Polio. Because especially at a time when the vaccination rate in the Havelland sinks, increased vigilance is required. Statistics show that only 76% of the children born in 2021 have sufficient vaccination protection in the Havelland - which corresponds to the national average. But almost every fourth child at the age of four is inadequate.

The dangers of paralysis of children

Polio, also known as paralysis, is a high -contained disease that can lead to paralysis and even breathing paralysis in severe cases. In over 70% of the cases, those affected initially show no symptoms, which makes the danger of the disease clear. The viruses are mainly transmitted by contact infection. The path over the chair and hands often extends to spread the disease. In countries with a high hygiene standard, respiratory transfers can also play a role, as the RKI emphasizes.

The need for vaccinations is increased by reports that polioviruses are connected to swallowing vaccines. In Germany, only inactivated polio vaccine has been used since 1998, which prevents diseases well, but not the infection and passing on of the pathogen.

Vaccination rates in focus

The nationwide vaccination rate among one -year -old is alarming: only about 21% are fully vaccinated against polio. At the age of two, 77% of children achieved full vaccination protection. Nevertheless, the development in Germany shows that the number of polio cases has decreased by 99% worldwide, with the exception of fewer areas in Asia and Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to strive to eradicate the disease globally.

In recent years, especially after the outbreak in New York and London in 2022, illnesses have also been found in many other countries that were previously polio -free - mostly with pathogens derived by the vaccine. This shows that it is important to keep the vaccination rates high and to keep the population sensitized.

call for caution

The RKI urgently advises to pay attention to symptoms, especially on acute sagging paralysis. Vaccination is the very best protection against this serious disease. The constant vaccination commission (STIKO) recommends basic immunization with three doses up to the twelfth month of life, followed by refresher vaccinations between the ages of 9 and 16. However, many children conclude basic immunization too late, which is a growing risk.

Finally, it can be said that the situation is serious but not hopeless. In the past, vaccinations have meant that millions of people could be preserved from paralysis. The key to combating children's paralysis lies not only in the early days of vaccinations, but also in high consciousness among the population for the danger and necessity of vaccination protection. Stay healthy and protect yourself and your children!

For more information about the current location and vaccination facilities, visit the pages of maz-online.de , geo.de and action-deutschland-hilft.de .