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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
07:06
Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification
Published on: April 20, 2011
Protection against poliomyelitis in Europe
H Nokleby1, H De Carvalho Gomes, K Johansen
1European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden. hanne.nokleby@ecdc.europa.eu
Summary
Wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV 1) has reappeared in Tajikistan, marking the first imported outbreak since 2002. This highlights the ongoing need for high vaccination coverage and surveillance to maintain the polio-free status.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
- Public Health
Background:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) European Region was declared polio-free in 2002.
- Circulating wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV 1) has reappeared in Tajikistan.
- This marks the first imported wild poliovirus outbreak in the region since the polio-free declaration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the implications of the WPV 1 reappearance in Tajikistan.
- To assess the risk of poliomyelitis importation to the European Union and European Economic Area.
- To emphasize the importance of maintaining polio-free status.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on WPV 1.
- Risk assessment for poliomyelitis importation.
- Analysis of public health strategies for polio eradication.
Main Results:
- The reappearance of WPV 1 in Tajikistan is the first imported outbreak since 2002.
- The risk of importation to the EU/EEA has not likely increased.
- The outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of sustained public health efforts.
Conclusions:
- High vaccination coverage is crucial for maintaining the polio-free situation.
- Monitoring of protective immunity is essential.
- Robust surveillance systems are vital to prevent re-establishment of poliovirus circulation.
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