The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a travel health advisory warning U.S. travelers about an increase in a potentially fatal disease that is prevalent in about 30 countries.
The Level 2 warning encourages travelers to “increase precautions” and says some international destinations are transmitting the poliovirus, or polio.
The countries where polio has been found are:
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
The World Health Organization states that polio is a “disabling and potentially fatal” disease that can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. It is highly contagious and mainly affects children under the age of five.
Polio is usually spread through feces or contaminated water or food. People infected with polio can spread it to others by not washing their hands after going to the toilet.
People infected with polio usually experience mild symptoms, if any. These symptoms include fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, neck and back stiffness, and arm and leg pain.
Symptoms last two to ten days. Most people make a full recovery, but in some cases the virus can cause paralysis, usually in the legs. In some cases, it can be fatal if the brain becomes infected or the muscles used to breathe are paralyzed.
There is no known cure for polio, but it can be prevented through vaccination. To this end, the CDC encourages travelers to any of the listed countries to make sure they are up-to-date on their polio vaccinations.
Additionally, adults who have previously completed a full series of vaccinations may receive a single booster dose if traveling to one of these countries.
The CDC also encourages good handwashing habits to help prevent the spread of disease.
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