Poland Urges Polio Vaccinations After Virus Detected in Warsaw

Poland’s health authorities have issued a call for polio vaccinations following the detection of the virus in sewage samples from Warsaw, as part of routine tests conducted earlier this month.

The country’s Main Sanitary Inspectorate emphasized that while the virus’ presence in sewage does not necessarily indicate active infections, those unvaccinated against polio could be at risk. Vaccinations for individuals under 19 remain free in Poland.

In response to the findings, authorities have implemented new measures, including intensified sewage testing, replenishing vaccination stocks, and updating records to identify unvaccinated children.

Polio, primarily transmitted through contact with infected waste or, less commonly, contaminated food or water, mainly affects children under the age of 5.

Although most individuals with the virus exhibit no symptoms, severe cases can lead to paralysis within hours, particularly affecting the legs.

Currently, about 86% of 3-year-olds in Poland are vaccinated against polio. Health experts stress that achieving at least 95% vaccination coverage is crucial to preventing the spread of the virus.

The rise of anti-vaccination movements in certain segments of the population has raised concerns among health officials.

Poland has not seen a reported case of polio since 1984, and authorities are committed to ensuring high vaccination rates to prevent any resurgence of the disease.