Polio alarm in Havelland: vaccination rate is falling, health risk is increasing!

Polio alarm in Havelland: vaccination rate is falling, health risk is increasing!

In the last few weeks, alarming news has been making the rounds: polio viruses have been detected in sewage treatment plants in 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 linked to the dreaded polio. While the situation is worrying for many, fortunately no transmissions or illnesses have been reported so far, according to the RKI.

The Havelland district health department has already called on citizens to check their vaccination protection against polio. Especially at a time when the vaccination rate in Havelland is falling, increased vigilance is required. Statistics show that only 76% of children born in Havelland in 2021 have sufficient vaccination protection - which corresponds to the national average. But almost one in four children aged four is inadequately protected.

The dangers of polio

Polio, also known as infantile paralysis, is a highly contagious disease that in severe cases can cause paralysis and even respiratory failure. In over 70% of cases, those affected initially show no symptoms, which highlights the danger of the disease. The viruses are mainly transmitted through contact infection. The path through stool and hands is often enough to spread the disease. In countries with high hygiene standards, respiratory transmissions can also play a role, as the RKI emphasizes.

The need for vaccinations is reinforced by reports that polioviruses are associated with oral vaccines. In Germany, only inactivated polio vaccine has been used since 1998, which prevents illness well, but does not prevent infection and transmission of the pathogen.

Vaccination rates in focus

The nationwide vaccination rate among one-year-olds is alarmingly low: only around 21% are fully vaccinated against polio. By the age of two, 77% of children have achieved full vaccination protection. Nevertheless, developments in Germany show that the number of polio cases worldwide has fallen by 99%, with the exception of a few 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 been detected again in many other countries that were previously polio-free - mostly with pathogens derived from the vaccine. This shows that it is important to keep vaccination rates high and keep the population aware.

Call for caution

The RKI strongly recommends paying attention to symptoms, especially acute flaccid paralysis. A vaccination is the very best protection against this serious disease. The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) recommends a primary vaccination with three doses up to the age of 12 months, followed by booster vaccinations between the ages of 9 and 16. However, many children complete the basic immunization too late, which represents a growing risk.

In conclusion, the situation is serious but not hopeless. Vaccinations have saved millions of people from paralysis in the past. The key to combating polio lies not only in the early nature of vaccinations, but also in a high level of awareness among the population about the danger and necessity of vaccination protection. Stay healthy and protect yourself and your children!

For further information about the current situation and vaccination options, visit the website maz-online.de, geo.de and aktion-deutschland-hilft.de.