The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated their global travel alert for polio and warned Americans about the spread of this disease.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. advisoryThe poliovirus is classified as “Level 2,” and the last update was this week. It encourages Americans to “take enhanced precautions when traveling abroad.” Popular destinations such as Finland, Germany and Spain are among the countries with active poliovirus.
In its latest advisory, the CDC stated that it is important to ensure you have received your polio vaccinations. Before traveling to the following destinations, adults who have already completed a full routine polio series may be eligible for a single lifetime booster dose.
Most people with polio do not get sick, but they may experience minor symptoms, such as a fever, fatigue, nausea and headache. Other symptoms include a sore neck, back and arms, and a cough. In rare cases, polio can cause more severe symptoms, such as permanent loss of function of muscles. This could even be fatal if breathing muscles are paralyzed, or if a brain infection is present.
The CDC advises that travelers should not only get vaccinated but also practice proper hand washing, and drink water that is free of contamination.
The CDC has issued a warning about the chikungunya in China and Taiwan. Guangdong Province (which was last updated on Monday) and in Bolivia. The virus is spread through mosquitoes. While the most common symptoms include fever and joint pains, the CDC warned that travelers who are “at greater risk of a more severe illness” include those with diabetes or heart conditions, as well as older adults over 65 years old. The CDC warned pregnant women against traveling to affected areas. This is especially true if they were close to delivery.
The CDC said travelers heading to these areas should get vaccinated, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or with screens on the windows and doors.
The CDC also monitors dengue, a global disease that is currently prevalent. classified As “Level 1” concern along with measles, yellow feverYou can find out more about it here. Currently the CDC does not have any “Level 3”, “Level 4” or “Level 5” advisories. These are the ones that recommend travelers to reconsider unimportant travel, or to avoid traveling altogether.
