Polio viruses discovered in German wastewater: how dangerous is it?

Polio viruses discovered in German wastewater: how dangerous is it?

Polio - the unpopular ghost from past days - reports back! Polio pathogens were discovered in the wastewater from Munich, Bonn, Cologne and Hamburg. And who is surprised? These treacherous viruses are not wild intruders, but descendants of the swallowing vaccination, which is particularly widespread in Africa and Asia. Vucked can leave these weakened viruses for up to six weeks and "unintentionally" spread.

Don't panic! How does the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) insure? With a vaccination rate of 90 percent in Germany, the risk is low. Hygiene -conscious citizens and existing vaccination rates protect the majority from this highly infectious threat, which can lead to serious and permanent paralysis in unvaccinated. Nevertheless: Doctors and health services should keep their eyes open and do not lose sight of any police typical symptoms.

shadow of the past in wastewater

The fact that polio viruses were discovered in German cities draws wide circles. Both the WHO and the state authorities were notified, while further tests are in full swing. And similar traces have been detected not only in Germany, but also in Spain and Poland. A global echo? Possible, because the virus travels quickly and invisible.

In particular, countries with lower vaccination rates should be careful. Similar findings have already been made in the nation state of New York, London and Jerusalem - and not without consequences. The danger is real: only about one of 200 infected develops the dreaded paralysis. But this is enough to show that growing infection potential is a problem.

vaccination as a shield and sword

Why is the swallowing vaccination still in the race? While it carries the risk of releasing viruses, it offers crucial protection in low -immunity countries. What matters is the fight against the transfer to ward off a new spread. A balancing act between protection and risk that many nations are ready to enter every day.

The Covid pandemic has sensitively disturbed routine vaccination programs, which may explain the return of such diseases. Now it is important to close them before the story is repeated. The nightmare of a polio-renaissance should not become a reality!