CDC Issues Urgent Travel Warning: Polio Spreading in 32 Countries
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- The CDC issued a level 2 travel advisory in March 2026 for 32 countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East due to rising polio cases, including nations like Afghanistan, Germany, Nigeria, Pakistan, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
- Polio primarily affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem and can cause paralysis, breathing difficulties, and even death in severe cases, though most infected individuals show no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms.
- Approximately 5% of polio infections result in flu-like symptoms, while about 1% lead to serious neurological complications such as neck stiffness and muscle weakness.
- The CDC recommends that travelers to affected countries ensure they are up to date on routine polio
