Localised outbreaks of wild poliovirus (WPV) and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV) are ongoing across multiple countries. Unvaccinated children and adults are most at risk. Polio spreads via contaminated food, water, or contact with infected faecal matter, causing fever, headache, nausea and, in severe cases, meningitis or paralysis. Paralytic polio has a 15–30% fatality rate in adults.

Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while cVDPV2 cases have been reported in several countries, including Yemen, Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, Chad and Angola. Environmental detections have occurred in Algeria, Gaza, Israel, Germany and other locations.

Travellers should ensure full vaccination, follow local health guidance and exercise caution, especially in conflict-affected areas with limited healthcare.