Detections in 2024In the past 3 months, circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) was detected in sewage samples in Barcelona, Spain; Warsaw, Poland; and Cologne, Bonn, Hamburg and Munich, Germany. The detected virus is genetically linked to a strain that emerged in Nigeria. This strain is circulating in several countries outside the Region, most widely in North and West Africa.
In all 3 countries in the European Region, the virus was isolated from environmental (sewage) samples only – no associated paralytic cases of polio have been detected.
“WHO continues to support national and local public health authorities in their investigations and monitoring of the situation, including identification of any potential subnational immunity gaps that may need to be addressed,” added Robb Butler. “Vaccination of every vulnerable child is essential to ensure that the virus cannot lead to lifelong paralysis or even death.”
Germany, Poland and Spain maintain strong disease surveillance and high levels of routine immunization coverage, estimated at 85–93% nationally with 3 doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which provides excellent protection from paralysis caused by poliovirus.
Total Wild Polio cases | Year-to-date 2024 | Total 2023 | Total 2022 | Total 2021 | Total 2020 |
Globally | 81 | 12 | 30 | 6 | 140 |
- in endemic countries: | 81 | 12 | 22 | 5 | 140 |
2024 Wild Polio Case Total 81 - Afghanistan 25 - Pakistan 56
2023 Wild Polio Case Total 12 - Afghanistan 6, Pakistan 6
2022 Wild Polio Cases - Pakistan 20, Afghanistan 2, Mozambique 8
2022 Circulating Variant Polio Cases – 914 in 26 Countries
New Polio Cases & Samples reported this week -
Quote of the Day - "Imagine your gift helping to fund the drop of vaccine that prevents the last case of Polio, eradicating this devastating disease once and for all. Picture it supporting other health initiatives in 2034, 2044, and beyond." Past RI Pres. & 2024-25 RI Foundation Trustee Chair, Mark Maloney
Advocate, Donate & Educate to END POLIO NOW and FOREVER!
Over 3 billion Children Immunized
21,000,000 Children Saved from the Paralysis of Polio
