Polio spreads from person to person invading the brain and spinal cord and causing paralysis (inability to move). Because polio has no cure, vaccination is the best way to protect people and is the only way to stop the disease from spreading. The spread of polio has never stopped in Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. After the spread of the polio virus had previously been stopped, it has been reintroduced and continues to spread in the Horn of Africa, Cameroon, and Syria.
The CDC now alerts travelers about cases of polio cropping up in Somalia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Cameroon, Baghdad and Syria.
If traveleing to one of these regions, a polio booster is advised for anyone >18 years of age who has never received an adult polio booster shot.
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