Polio (Poliomyelitis)

Related Travel Health Notices

Polio: Global Update

What is Polio?

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Polio can attack the central nervous system and destroy the nerve cells that activate muscles. 

Cause 

Poliovirus, type 1, 2 or 3.

Risk to Travellers     

  • Risks are extremely low in regions of the world where the wild type virus has been eliminated (Western Hemisphere, Western Pacific and European Regions).
  • Risks are variable in countries where polio still exists (endemic) or where cases have occurred recently.
  • Risks depend on living conditions, length of stay and exposure to contaminated food and water.

Severity            

  • Mainly affects children under age five, however, infection and paralysis may occur in individuals of any age who are not immune.
  • Over 90% of those infected show no symptoms or have only a non-specific fever; 1% will develop permanent paralysis.

Prevention     

Treatment      

There is no cure for polio.

Symptoms

  • Can take three to 35 days to appear.
  • Most people have no symptoms when they are infected.
  • Some people develop mild symptoms including fever, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, drowsiness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or constipation.
  • In more severe cases, the disease affects the spinal cord or brain, causing paralysis.  Polio can be fatal.

Transmission

  • Mainly fecal-oral transmission.
  • Polio is spread through close personal contact with secretions (fluids) from an infected person’s nose and throat, for example, when they sneeze or cough.
  • It can also be spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated through poor personal hygiene, poor sanitation, or poor control of sewage.

Where is Polio a Concern?

  • Polio continues to occur (endemic) in three countries: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
  • For up-to-date information on countries reporting cases of polio, please visit the latest Travel Health Notice on Polio.
  • View additional information on where polio is a concern by visiting the website of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Recommendations

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

  1. Get Vaccinated
    • All travellers should be vaccinated if they are going to:
      • Countries where polio continues to occur (endemic).
      • Countries with recently imported cases of polio.
      • Countries close to those where polio is endemic, or those where recent cases have been reported.
    • For infants and children under 18 years of age: 
    • For adults 18 years of age and older:
      • If you have completed your polio vaccine series and have not received a booster dose against polio since your 18th birthday:
        • Get a one-time booster dose before leaving.
      • If you have not completed your polio vaccine series:
        • Get the remaining doses, before leaving.
      • If you have not received any vaccines against polio:
        • Get fully vaccinated against polio.
  2. Practise safe food and water precautions

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