Poland's health authorities have issued a call for polio vaccinations for children following the discovery of the virus in Warsaw's sewage during routine testing this month. The state Main Sanitary Inspectorate emphasized that the presence of the virus in sewage does not necessarily indicate that individuals have fallen ill. However, those who have not received the polio vaccine could be at risk.
Notably, vaccinations against polio are provided free of charge in Poland for individuals under the age of 19. In response to the recent detection of the virus, new measures have been implemented, including more rigorous testing of Warsaw's sewage system. Polio is primarily transmitted through contact with waste from an infected person or, less commonly, via contaminated water or food.
The poliovirus predominantly impacts children under the age of 5. While many infected individuals remain asymptomatic, severe cases can result in the virus attacking the nervous system, leading to paralysis within a matter of hours, as outlined by the World Health Organization. The WHO estimates that approximately 1 in 200 polio cases culminate in permanent paralysis, typically affecting the lower limbs.
According to Poland's inspectorate, around 86% of the country's 3-year-olds have received the polio vaccine. It is crucial to achieve a vaccination rate of at least 95% among children to effectively prevent the spread of the virus. Concerningly, Poland has witnessed the emergence of anti-vaccination movements among certain parents, prompting apprehension among health officials.
The statement released by the inspectorate highlighted that Poland's most recent polio case dates back to 1984. The ongoing efforts to encourage vaccination uptake and enhance monitoring of the poliovirus underscore the nation's commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing the resurgence of this debilitating disease.
