What to know about CDC’s new polio alert

March 11, 2026 - 22:04

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a new health alert regarding polio, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for international travelers. While the disease is no longer endemic within the United States, it remains a persistent threat abroad, with circulation currently reported in approximately thirty countries.

This advisory serves as a crucial reminder that the poliovirus is only a plane ride away. The CDC underscores that unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals are at risk if they travel to regions where polio outbreaks are occurring. Infection can lead to irreversible paralysis and other severe complications.

Medical experts stress that vaccination remains the absolute cornerstone of protection. Adults who are traveling to affected areas and are either unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status should consult with a healthcare provider immediately. A completed polio vaccine series provides lifelong immunity for most people, but a single lifetime booster dose is available for adults at increased risk.

The CDC's alert is not a cause for domestic alarm but a call for prudent travel preparation. Ensuring you and your family are fully vaccinated before international travel is the most effective step to prevent the importation and spread of this debilitating disease. Health officials continue to monitor the global situation closely to safeguard public health.