Luxembourg keeps polio virus under control
Getty Images
Poliomyelitis remains an important focus of surveillance in the Luxembourg health system. The Ministry of Health provided data on the current status of vaccination, monitoring measures and plans to strengthen control.
According to the latest 2023 survey, the vaccination rate for children aged 25 to 30 months in Luxembourg has reached 92.6%. These data reflect the successful implementation of a four-dose vaccination scheme, which minimises the risks of spreading the disease. A full report on the results will be published in early 2025.
Currently, the poliovirus monitoring system operates without the use of data from wastewater. However, a national surveillance system similar to that used for SARS-CoV-2 is being developed in collaboration with LIST and the General Water Administration. The implementation of such a system takes time, but could greatly enhance control of the virus.
In parallel, all children under 13 years of age arriving from countries where the poliovirus remains active are screened. This makes it possible to detect possible carriage of the virus even in the absence of symptoms.
To raise awareness of the importance of vaccination, information materials are available on the Santé.lu portal and in the form of brochures. The recommendations of the High Council for Infectious Diseases are also made available to both medical staff and the general public. These measures are aimed at building confidence in vaccination and raising awareness of its importance.
