Polio is largely eradicated thanks to global vaccination, but severe risks remain in specific regions. What is Polio? Polio (Poliomyelitis) is a highly contagious, life-threatening viral illness. In its most severe form, the virus invades the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) and causes irreversible paralysis, severe difficulty breathing, and sometimes death. Current Status: Thanks to aggressive vaccination campaigns, wild poliovirus has been eliminated in the US and the vast majority of the world. However, it still exists endemically in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Travelers to these areas must ensure they are fully vaccinated. Symptoms The vast majority of people (about 72%) infected with the poliovirus will not experience any visible symptoms. For those who do, the illness typically falls into two distinct clinical categories: 1. Non-Paralytic Polio (Mild) This form lasts anywhere from ...