According to the health departments of various countries, a cluster of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) has been detected in wastewater samples collected in Europe.
As of July 7, 2025, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) says these countries include, but are not limited to, the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Spain, and Poland.
Specifically, Germany has reported detections of cVDPV2 in multiple environmental samples throughout 2024 and the first half of 2025.
In 2024, a strain of variant poliovirus originating from Nigeria was repeatedly detected in wastewater samples from Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Dresden, Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Bonn.
In 2025, detections have been from Dresden during weeks 17, 19, 21, and 23, Mainz during weeks 15 and 19, Munich during weeks 21, 22, and 23, and Stuttgart during week 21.
The cluster exhibits a degree of genomic diversity that more strongly supports the hypothesis of multiple introductions than a single introduction with local transmission within the EU.
However, the large geographical spread in the EU/EEA, the fact that detections occurred over several months, and the identification of specific genetic sub-clusters suggest at least some degree of local transmission.
Fortunately, no cases of poliomyelitis have been reported in Europe.
The last indigenous case of polio in Germany was in 1990.
Given the presence of non-vaccinated or under-vaccinated population groups in European countries, and the fact that poliomyelitis has not been eradicated globally, the risk of the virus being reintroduced into Europe remains, affirms the ECDC.
To alert international travelers visiting Europe during the summer of 2020, the U.S. CDC’s Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions, Travel Health Advisory identifies 41 countries at risk for poliovirus detections.
According to the CDC, travelers to Germany are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.
The CDC recommends that adults who have previously completed the routine polio vaccine series and are traveling to any destination listed may receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine. Polio vaccination services are offered at most health clinics and travel pharmacies in the United States.