CDC warns travelers about ‘high risk of polio’ in new advisory. Lists 30 countries

Travelers venturing to Canada, the United Kingdom, Madagascar and Indonesia are being advised to practice extra caution due to circulating poliovirus.

According to USA Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified 30 countries where travelers are at risk for the disease. The findings caused the agency to issue an updated advisory listing it as a Level 2 notice advising travelers to “practice enhanced precautions.”

The following destinations were documented to have circulating poliovirus, according to the CDC:

• Afghanistan

• Algeria

• Benin

• Botswana

• Burundi

• Cameroon

• Canada

• Central African Republic

• Chad

• Côte d’Ivoire

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Djibouti

• Egypt (health care facilities, refugee camps and humanitarian aid settings only)

• Ghana

• Indonesia

• Israel

• Madagascar

• Malawi

• Mali

• Mozambique

• Niger

• Nigeria

• Pakistan

• Republic of the Congo

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Togo

• United Kingdom

• Yemen

• Zambia

Due to the widespread implementation of the polio vaccination, the virus was eradicated in the western hemisphere in 1994. However, in some areas known as “polio-endemic countries,” it still exists.

The outlet describes polio as a highly infectious and deadly disease that damages the nervous system. In about 75% of polio cases, there are no recognizable symptoms. In the other 25%, people can experience headaches, fevers, nausea and more about three to six days after exposure.

In rare instances, people may become paralyzed from the disease’s effect on the respiratory muscles and nerves.

While there is a vaccine, there is no known cure for polio.

The virus is highly contagious and can be spread in many ways, mostly through person-to-person contact.

Polio can be transmitted through an infected person’s stool or from their sneeze or cough. The CDC also states that contaminated water and food are breeding grounds for the virus.

The CDC recommends that children and adults be fully vaccinated before traveling to the countries mentioned above.

The agency shared the U.S. requires a child to receive four vaccination doses and adults to receive three to be considered fully vaccinated.

Before traveling, children should be up to date on their shot routine and adults who have received all their doses should also get a one-time inactivated polio vaccine booster.

Travelers should be prepared to show proof of vaccination upon request when entering and departing countries.

USA Today mentioned the World Health Organization aims to eradicate Polio by 2026 through a 35-year-long plan known as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.