CDC Issues New Warning Over Fatal Disease’s Spread: What To Know In MA

Federal health officials are warning tourists from Massachusetts and others across the country that global travel carries an increased risk for polio, which is circulating in about 30 countries.

Polio vaccines are universally required for public and private school students, including in Massachusetts; however, policies allow for medical exemptions and, in many states, religious or personal belief exemptions.

Massachusetts recommends that families and providers use the American Academy of Pediatrics Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule as the primary reference for the routine immunization of infants, children and adolescents.

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For adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance remains in place except for specific exceptions for limited exceptions.

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• More vaccine information for healthcare and public health professionals
• Guidance for COVID-19 vaccine providers
• Influenza information for healthcare and public health professionals

The CDC’s advisory is a Level 2 warning that encourages travelers to “practice enhanced precautions,” especially in the following destinations:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Angola
• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Djibouti
• Ethiopia
• Finland
• Gaza
• Germany
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Israel
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea
• Poland
• Senegal
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Spain
• Sudan
• Tanzania
• United Kingdom
• Yemen
• Zimbabwe

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Polio, a highly contagious, crippling and potentially deadly disease primarily affecting children under 5, can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. According to the World Health Organization, it is usually spread through fecal matter, contaminated water or food, or failure to wash hands after using the bathroom.

The CDC says 95% of people infected with polio show no symptoms, and that when symptoms do occur, they often mimic the flu, including fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness. Symptoms last two to 10 days, and most people fully recover.

Fewer than 1% of cases are severe illnesses that can cause paralysis, often in the legs, or be fatal if it infects the brain or paralyzes the breathing muscles.

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There is no known cure for polio, but it can be prevented by vaccinations. The CDC is advising people who travel to any of the named countries to make sure they’re up-to-date on polio vaccines.

See also: Major Changes To Childhood Vaccine Schedule Announced By CDC: What To Know In MA

Most adults born in the United States can assume they are vaccinated, according to the CDC. Adult travelers may get a booster if they are going to a destination that has circulating poliovirus; have completed their routine polio vaccine series, and have not already received one adult booster dose.

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