Polio

Since the poliovirus attacks the nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain, it can lead to permanent paralysis or even death, in addition to general symptoms such as headaches and general malaise.

The virus is excreted via stool and is primarily transmitted from person to person through smear infection (stool-hand-mouth). Polioviruses are also capable of surviving outside the human body for a certain period.

The most important protection against polio is vaccination. In Germany, the recommendations of the STIKO apply, which recommend a basic immunization as well as booster vaccinations.

Children, but also all other individuals who are not sufficiently vaccinated against polio.

Basic immunization begins according to the STIKO vaccination calendar at the age of 2 months and includes, when using combination vaccines with other vaccine components, 3 vaccine doses at the ages of 2, 4, and 11 months. A booster vaccination is recommended at the age of 9-16 years.

The polio vaccine provides very high protection, although in individual cases this may be reduced by immunosuppressive medications or an immune deficiency disease.

Each vaccination enhances protection against infection. For basic protection, the vaccination schedule recommended by the vaccine manufacturer should be followed. For long-term protection, the booster vaccination that occurs years after basic immunization is important.

If you have a yellow vaccination card, you can check the tables where vaccinations are marked to see how often you have been vaccinated against polio.

Contact your general practitioner or your children's pediatrician.

Adults who received a complete basic immunization in infancy and early childhood as well as at least one booster vaccination in adolescence or later, or who were immunized as adults according to the manufacturer's specifications and received a booster vaccination, are considered fully immunized. Unvaccinated individuals receive 3 vaccine doses as basic immunization and a booster vaccination.

Children should see a pediatrician, adults should see a general practitioner.

Contact the hotline of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians at 116117 to find a doctor.

This group of individuals should ensure they have adequate vaccination protection.

Before pregnancy, it should be verified whether adequate vaccination protection is present. Vaccination with an inactivated vaccine is also possible during pregnancy.

Due to crises and wars in some parts of the world, not all children and adults may have been adequately vaccinated. This could lead to the re-spreading of the disease.

In Germany, only an inactivated vaccine has been used for many years. This vaccine contains no live polioviruses. Previously, oral vaccinations with the attenuated live vaccine were used in Germany and are still used in many countries around the world. Rarely, vaccinated individuals may excrete viruses via the intestines after this vaccination and potentially spread them. Through this process, people in the vicinity may become infected with the virus.

No, the drinking water in OBK is not at risk.