What to know about CDC’s new polio alert | CNN

Although polio has been eliminated as an endemic disease in the United States, that isn’t true for other parts of the world. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 2 travel notice on March 9 warning that poliovirus continues to circulate in multiple parts of the world and advising travelers to take enhanced precautions. The agency recommended that travelers to affected countries ensure they are fully vaccinated against polio before departure. Despite its eradication in the United States, health officials say international travel can still pose a risk when the virus is circulating elsewhere. Because poliovirus spreads easily and can move across borders through infected travelers, maintaining high vaccination coverage remains essential. What exactly is polio, and how does it spread? If the United States no longer has ongoing transmission, why are travel alerts still necessary? Which parts of the world are seeing poliovirus circulation now? Should travelers check their vaccination status before international trips? If someone is unsure whether they are fully protected, what should they do next? I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen to find out. Wen