CDC Issues Travel Advisory for More Than Two Dozen Countries-What to Know

"The list of countries in the [Travel Health Notice] is informed by the latest global epidemiological data and used to make recommendations regarding required measures to support polio eradication. This list is comprised of countries that have detected poliovirus in humans or environmental samples in the past 13 months."

"A 'highly contagious infection,' polio may not affect everyone who becomes infected, but can have serious consequences for some who do. For some, 'the virus attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, particularly the nerve cells in the spinal cord that control muscles involved in voluntary movement such as walking.'"

"Symptoms include fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the arms and legs, according to the CDC, along with paralysis in rare cases."

The CDC updated its global polio travel advisory, placing over two dozen countries on Level 2 alert status. Laos and Namibia were newly added to the list, while Finland, Ghana, Spain, and Zimbabwe were removed. The advisory is based on detection of poliovirus in humans or environmental samples within the past 13 months. The CDC recommends all travelers maintain up-to-date polio vaccinations. Adults who completed routine vaccination series should consider inactivated polio vaccine boosters. Unvaccinated adults require three doses spaced over six to twelve months. Polio is highly contagious and can cause paralysis by attacking nerve cells controlling voluntary movement. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, headache, and muscle pain.

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