The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently issued a Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions travel health notice due to the detection of circulating poliovirus (cVDPV2) in several countries, including five in Europe.
While this advisory does not restrict travel, The CDC is advising international travelers to review their vaccination records and ensure they are up to date on polio immunizations. This alert follows the detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples, indicating low-level circulation in the environment. While no human polio cases have been reported in Europe, precaution is advised especially for families with young children or travelers with incomplete vaccination records.
Vaccination Guidance for Travelers
Polio is a vaccine-preventable disease. Most adults in the United States and other developed countries received polio vaccinations in early childhood and are considered protected. However, travelers are encouraged to:
- Review their vaccination history
- Consult a healthcare provider regarding the need for a booster dose, especially if traveling to a country with recent poliovirus detections
- Ensure children are fully vaccinated according to the CDC-recommended schedule
CDC-Recommended Polio Vaccination Schedule for Children:
- First dose: 2 months old
- Second dose: 4 months old
- Third dose: 6–18 months old
- Fourth dose: 4–6 years old
An adult booster dose may be recommended for those who completed the vaccine series in childhood and are now traveling to an affected area.
General Travel Health Precautions
Poliovirus is spread primarily through contact with contaminated food, water, or surfaces. For all international travel particularly to regions with varying sanitation standards, it is advisable to follow standard health precautions:
- Practice frequent and thorough handwashing
- Drink bottled or purified water
- Avoid raw or undercooked food in higher-risk environments
- Be mindful of personal hygiene and food safety practices while abroad
What This Means for Your Travel Plans
There are no current travel restrictions in place due to this advisory, and travel to Europe remains safe for vaccinated individuals. This alert is part of a precautionary public health measure and does not suggest widespread outbreaks.
At JIT TRAVELS, we encourage all clients to take proactive steps to protect their health while traveling. If you are uncertain about your vaccination status or have questions about travel health requirements, please reach out to your healthcare provider or contact our team for assistance in locating travel health services.
