Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

Vaccine Derived Polio Found In 5 European Countries-Why Does It Matter?

For many months, the <span>World Health Organization</span> (WHO) has confirmed that the spread of the <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/polio">polio</a>virus</span> remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This concern was validated during the last few weeks of 2024, when vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) genetically linked to the Nigeria lineage was detected in wastewater samples in 16 cities in five European countries: Spain, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Finland. 

However, so far, no human <span>polio</span> cases have been reported in association with these detections. Concerns were raised in late 2024 when 94 confirmed polio-affected children were reported across 15 Nigerian states. No type-2 variant poliovirus cases have been confirmed in Nigeria so far in 2025. 

<h2>Understanding Vaccine-Derived Polio</h2>

Vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a rare but concerning strain linked to the oral <span>polio vaccine</span> (OPV). Each drop of OPV contains a live but weakened version of the virus, designed to build immunity. However, occasionally, this weakened virus replicates in the intestines and is excreted in stool, spreading faster in areas with poor sanitation.

As the virus circulates, it can mutate and revert to a form that causes paralysis, resembling wild poliovirus. If this mutated strain spreads among unvaccinated individuals, it can lead to an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). The case in Meghalaya is currently being investigated to determine if it involves wild poliovirus or a vaccine-derived strain.

<h2>Can Oral <span rel="noindex">Vaccine</span> Drops Trigger Polio Outbreak?</h2>

The oral polio vaccine is effective in preventing the spread of polio and has played a crucial role in the near-global eradication of the disease. It contains attenuated (weakened) forms of one (monovalent OPV), two (bivalent OPV), or all three (trivalent OPV) types of the poliovirus. However, if the virus mutates, as mentioned earlier, it can trigger an outbreak of the deadly polio infection.

The risk of vaccine-derived polio is exceptionally low compared to the benefits of widespread immunization. According to WHO, more than 10 billion doses of OPV have been administered to nearly three billion children since 2000, preventing countless cases of polio and saving millions of lives.

<strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/7-reasons-to-live-from-text-crisis-counselor-who-once-wanted-to-die-article-151249217" data-type="tilCustomLink">Once Suicidal, Counselor Sam Dylan Finch Gives 8 Solid Reasons To Live—Number 3 Is My Favorite</a>

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting children under five years old. The virus spreads through person-to-person contact, mainly via the fecal-oral route, or through contaminated food and water. Once inside the body, the virus multiplies in the intestines and can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis and death, in certain cases.

While global vaccination efforts have nearly eradicated polio, isolated cases like the one suspected in Meghalaya highlight the importance of immunizing all populations against the deadly virus. The WHO continues to emphasize the need for vigilant surveillance and rapid response to any potential outbreaks, whether caused by wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus. 

<strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/you-cant-say-no-to-sweets-why-you-always-have-room-for-dessert-article-151249164" data-type="tilCustomLink">You Can't Say No To Sweets? Why You Always Have Room for Dessert</a>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

vaccine

world health organization

Polio

Polio vaccine

Poliovirus

Health news

Most Americans Have Never Had Their Homes Tested For Radon-It Causes Lung Cancer

Milk vs. Cheese: One Helps Your Gut, the Other Might Hurt It

Can Your Body Reject Someone Even When You Don't?

Health News

10 Exercises To Help You Relieve Back Pain

10 Low-Sodium Dinner Options You Must Try

10 Health Benefits Of Star Anise

10 Ways To Recover Quickly After Working Out

10 Low-Sodium Healthy Heart Snack

10 Bedtime Habits To Help You Lose Weight

10 Low Carb Lunch Options You Must Try

10 Foods to Avoid Eating During Season

10 Strength Exercises To Help You Burn Belly Fat

10 Food Habits That Are Ruining Your Health

10 Exercises You Should Do For Better Joint Health

10 Foods That Are High-Protein You May Not Know About

10 Fiber Rich Dinner Choices To Try

10 Ways To Curb Unhealthy Cravings

10 Healthy Egg Recipes You Can Try

​10 Morning Exercises You Should Do Everyday​

10 Protein Healthy Bread Recipes

10 Morning Habit You Should Teach Children

10 Nutty Recipes You Should Try For Your Health

10 Exercises You Should Do Before Sleeping

10 Exercises You Should Do For Arm Strength

10 Ways You Can Maximize Your Gym Exercises

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

For many months, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the spread of the poliovirus remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This concern was validated during the last few weeks of 2024, when vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) genetically linked to the Nigeria lineage was detected in wastewater samples in 16 cities in five European countries: Spain, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Finland. However, so far, no human polio cases have been reported in association with these detections. Concerns were raised in late 2024 when 94 confirmed polio-affected children were reported across 15 Nigerian states. No type-2 variant poliovirus cases have been confirmed in Nigeria so far in 2025. Understanding Vaccine-Derived PolioVaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a rare but concerning strain linked to the oral polio vaccine (OPV). Each drop of OPV contains a live but weakened version of the virus, designed to build immunity. However, occasionally, this weakened virus replicates in the intestines and is excreted in stool, spreading faster in areas with poor sanitation.As the virus circulates, it can mutate and revert to a form that causes paralysis, resembling wild poliovirus. If this mutated strain spreads among unvaccinated individuals, it can lead to an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). The case in Meghalaya is currently being investigated to determine if it involves wild poliovirus or a vaccine-derived strain.Can Oral Vaccine Drops Trigger Polio Outbreak?The oral polio vaccine is effective in preventing the spread of polio and has played a crucial role in the near-global eradication of the disease. It contains attenuated (weakened) forms of one (monovalent OPV), two (bivalent OPV), or all three (trivalent OPV) types of the poliovirus. However, if the virus mutates, as mentioned earlier, it can trigger an outbreak of the deadly polio infection.The risk of vaccine-derived polio is exceptionally low compared to the benefits of widespread immunization. According to WHO, more than 10 billion doses of OPV have been administered to nearly three billion children since 2000, preventing countless cases of polio and saving millions of lives.ALSO READ: Once Suicidal, Counselor Sam Dylan Finch Gives 8 Solid Reasons To Live—Number 3 Is My FavoriteHow Lethal is Polio?Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting children under five years old. The virus spreads through person-to-person contact, mainly via the fecal-oral route, or through contaminated food and water. Once inside the body, the virus multiplies in the intestines and can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis and death, in certain cases.While global vaccination efforts have nearly eradicated polio, isolated cases like the one suspected in Meghalaya highlight the importance of immunizing all populations against the deadly virus. The WHO continues to emphasize the need for vigilant surveillance and rapid response to any potential outbreaks, whether caused by wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus. ALSO READ: You Can't Say No To Sweets? Why You Always Have Room for Dessert