Polio: Global Update

Updated: November 10, 2011

Travel Health Notice

Polio has been eliminated from most countries; however it continues to occur in some areas of the world.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers get vaccinated against poliomyelitis (polio) when going to countries where there is a risk of infection (External link) , or countries located near those that are endemic or have cases of recent infection.

For a map of infected districts (External link) and a list of countries with confirmed cases of polio (External link) , please visit the website of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (External link) .

Polio is a contagious disease.  It 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.

Where is Polio a concern?

• Polio continues to occur (endemic) in four countries: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
• In 2011, there have been cases reported in Afghanistan, Angola, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, China (Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region), Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, India, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Pakistan.
• In 2010, there were confirmed imported cases of polio (when a person is infected in a country and enters another country) in the following countries: Angola, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kazakhstan, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, the Russian Federation (Russia), Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uganda.

For up-to-date information on countries reporting polio, visit the website of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (External link)

Recommendations

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

1. Get Vaccinated
    
   1. All travellers need to get vaccinated if they are going to:
       
      1. Countries where polio continues to occur (endemic).
      2. Countries with recently imported cases of polio.
      3. Countries close to those where polio is endemic, or those where recent cases have been reported.
          
   2. For infants and children under 18 years of age:
       
      1. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule in Canada. See provincial/territorial immunization schedules for further information.
      2. If the routine vaccine schedule is not complete before travel, talk to a health care provider about the remaining doses you can get before leaving.
          
   3. For adults 18 years of age and older:
       
      1. If you have completed your polio vaccine series and have not received a booster dose against polio since your 18^th birthday:
         • Get a one-time booster dose before leaving.
      2. If you have not completed your polio vaccine series:
         • Get the remaining doses before leaving.
      3. If you have not received any vaccines against polio:
         • Get fully vaccinated against polio.
            
2. Practise safe food and water precautions