The CDC has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice warning U.S. tourists about polio outbreaks in approximately 30 countries worldwide. The agency urges travelers to practice enhanced precautions when visiting destinations where poliovirus is circulating, including popular tourist spots in Europe and Africa.

Polio, described by the World Health Organization as a crippling and potentially deadly disease, can cause paralysis by invading the nervous system. The highly contagious virus primarily affects children under five and spreads through fecal contamination or contaminated food and water. Most cases present mild symptoms like fever and fatigue, but some lead to paralysis or death.

Travelers heading to affected countries should ensure they are up to date on polio vaccinations, with adults who completed the full series eligible for a single booster dose. The CDC also emphasizes proper hand-washing practices to prevent disease transmission. No cure exists for polio, making prevention through vaccination critical for international travelers.