The analysis simulated hypothetical wastewater detection curves using poliovirus case counts from Belgium between 1940 and 1965, incorporating polio seasonality and faecal shedding patterns. A summer onset assumption was applied, and the final curves were adjusted using local climate data for European cities with poliovirus detections to determine the start of the summer season.
Real-world-detected wastewater poliovirus load for all 36 European cities with detections fell within the intervals predicted by the model. “This gives us the indication that polio could have been imported at a low level of circulation in those areas,” said Dr Hansford. “What we saw with the sudden onset of wastewater detections was a natural seasonal peak occurring as transmission increased in those areas.”
Overall, NIE-ZAS-1 wastewater detections in late 2024 were consistent with silent, endemic circulation characterised by seasonal amplification, rather than with multiple simultaneous importations. “My conclusion is that when we talk about vaccines, let’s not forget polio”, said Dr Hansford. “It remains essential, and it is something we need to remember.”
- ECDC. Detections of poliovirus in sewage samples require enhanced routine and catch-up vaccination and increased surveillance. Available from: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/detections-poliovirus-sewage-samples-require-enhanced-vaccination-surveillance (accessed 15 September 2025)
- Rowland T, et al. Euro Surveill. 2025;30(16):2500025.
- Hansford K, et al. Seasonal amplification of poliovirus detection in Europe: An evidence may suggest silent circulation of the NIE-ZAS-1 cVDPV2 variant. 6th ESCMID Conference on Vaccines, 10–13 September 2025, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Table of Contents: ESCMID Vaccines 2025
Featured articles
Real-world data confirm PCV20 effectiveness against pneumococcal disease in adults aged ≥65 years
Pneumococcal Vaccination
A quarter of US children have incomplete pneumococcal vaccination by age 2
V116 shows promise for adults at risk of pneumococcal disease
Real-world data confirm PCV20 effectiveness against pneumococcal disease in adults aged ≥65 years
The V116 pneumococcal vaccine is a new option in children at risk for pneumococcal disease
Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination
Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccination provides effective, but rapidly waning protection in immunocompromised individuals
Intranasal COVID-19 vaccine shows promising results in preclinical mouse models
Influenza vaccine in children shows moderate, broad protection during the 2024-2025 season
Lower age is linked to reduced uptake of influenza and COVID-19 vaccination
RSV vaccination and Immunisation
Combination respiratory vaccines show promise but face key challenges
Adjuvanted RSVPreF3 demonstrates high real-world effectiveness in the USA
RSV immunisation: Maternal versus direct infant immunisation
European pregnant women show openness to maternal RSV vaccination
Infants immunised with nirsevimab have a lower risk of respiratory-related recurrent hospitalisation
Adjuvanted RSVPreF3 can be co-administered with a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in adults aged ≥50 years
Other Childhood and Routine Vaccinations
Pertussis vaccination: Could an intranasal vaccine help curb the rising cases of whooping cough?
Does the 2+1 vaccination schedule for Haemophilus influenzae type b increase case numbers?
Wastewater poliovirus detections in Europe may reflect seasonal infection patterns rather than consistent importation
Emerging and Future Vaccines
Where do we stand with vaccination for haemolytic streptococci?
The future looks promising for tuberculosis vaccination
Where do alternative vaccine administration routes fit in the clinical landscape?
Malaria immunisation beyond subunit vaccines: Current progress
SARI Definitions and Vaccine Effectiveness
Case definition discrepancies influence VE outcomes
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