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

Federal health officials are warning tourists from Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island; however, policies allow for medical exemptions and, in many states, religious or personal belief exemptions.

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On Jan. 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reduced the number of immunizations routinely recommended for U.S. children. This did not affect vaccine access, health insurance coverage, or the school immunization schedule in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Department of Health continued to recommend the American Academy of Pediatrics' Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, and all current Rhode Island immunization requirements for school and childcare attendance remained in effect.

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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

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.

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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.

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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