The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned travellers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against polio before visiting more than 30 countries where the virus has recently been detected.

In an updated travel health notice, the CDC said poliovirus circulation continued to be reported in several regions across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. The agency advises travellers to affected destinations to make sure their routine polio vaccinations are up to date and, in some cases, to consider a single lifetime booster dose before departure.

Countries on the CDC polio advisory list include: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, French Guiana, Gaza, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Spain, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, United Kingdom, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus that can lead to paralysis and, in severe cases, death. Although widespread vaccination campaigns have eliminated endemic transmission in most countries, the virus can still spread in areas with lower immunisation coverage.

The CDC’s advisory comes as international travel increases ahead of spring break and Easter holidays in many parts of the world, a period when large numbers of travellers head abroad.

Health officials emphasised that the risk for most travellers remains low, particularly for those who are fully vaccinated. However, they urged individuals planning international trips to review their vaccination status and consult healthcare providers if additional protection may be needed.

The CDC also recommends practising good hygiene and monitoring official health guidance when travelling to regions where poliovirus has been reported.

Recent WHO analysis underscores the global health and economic case for investing in more effective influenza immunisation.