Updated on 15 December 2019
The Situation:
The CDC issued an Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions, for Polio in Asia.
The WHO has recommended that the following countries – where cases have been reported
– require residents and long-term (> 4 weeks) visitors show proof of polio vaccination
before leaving the country:
Afghanistan
Burma(Myanmar)
China
Indonesia
Malaysia
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
The Philippines
Symptoms of Polio
Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly disease that affects the nervous system. The virus
lives in the feces of infected persons and can be spread via contaminated water, food and
poor handwashing practices. Most people with polio do not feel sick. Some may only
experience minor symptoms:
Fever
Tiredness
Nausea
Headache
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Cough
Stiffness in the neck and back
Pain in the arms and legs
In rare cases, polio infection causes permanent loss of muscle function (paralysis).
Polio can be fatal if the muscles used for breathing are paralyzed or if there is an infection of the brain.
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Monitor local authorities and media for updates
The CDC recommends getting the polio vaccine
For adults who have been fully vaccinated a booster shot is recommended.
See the CDC page for further details. Link
Polio Vaccination Information Statement. Link
Wash hands regularly
Drink only bottled water
Speak to your healthcare provider for more information about vaccination and precautions
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
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