Europe - Recent detections of poliovirus in wastewater systems across five countries in the WHO European Region underscore the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and robust surveillance. While no cases of paralysis have been reported, the presence of the virus in places long polio-free including Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risk polio poses to children everywhere, as long as it exists anywhere. Continued vigilance and strengthened immunization efforts are needed to ensure any further transmission is put to a stop..
The Final Two Polio Endemic Countries:
Pakistan Two new Wild Polio cases reported this week. Sixty-eight Wild Polio cases reported in 2024. Six Wild Polio Cases reported in 2023. The most recent case had an onset of paralysis on 12/21/24. Seventeen WPV1 Environmental Samples and no cVDPV2 Positive Environmental Samples were reported this week in Pakistan.
Afghanistan No new Wild Polio cases reported this week. Twenty-five Wild Polio cases reported in 2024. Six Wild Polio Cases reported in 2023. The most recent case had an onset of paralysis on 11/05/24. No WPV1 Environmental Samples and no cVDPV2 Positive Environmental Samples were reported this week In Afghanistan.