Polio Outbreaks Remain a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that during the 40th meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations on the international spread of poliovirus, data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV) was reviewed in the context of the global target of interruption and certification of WPV1 eradication by 2027 and interruption and certification of cVDPV2 elimination by 2029.

In summary, the available data indicate that the global transmission of WPV1 is geographically limited to the two WPV1 endemic countries.

However, in 2024, there has been geographical spread and intensifying transmission within the two endemic countries.

As of December 3, 2024, the Committee unanimously agreed that the risk of the international spread of poliovirus remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and recommended the extension of Temporary Recommendations for a further three months into 2025.

The WHO Director-General endorsed the Committee's recommendations for countries meeting the definition for 'States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk for international spread', 'States infected with cVDPV2 with potential risk for international spread' and for 'States no longer infected by WPV1 or cVDPV, but which remain vulnerable to re-infection by WPV or cVDPV.'

Over the past few years, there have been outstanding examples of poliovirus elimination.

India was once deemed the most challenging country in the world to end polio. But today, India is polio-free, and countries are replicating its success by embracing the power of innovative vaccines.

In 2024, India continues vaccinating millions of children against polio. 

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative uses two types of vaccine to stop polio transmission – inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and oral polio vaccine.

Previously, the U.S. CDC reissued a Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions, Travel Health Advisory identifying 37 countries where poliovirus remains a health risk. The CDC recommends that visitors to these counties speak with a travel vaccine expert about polio immunization options at least one month before departing overseas.

"Educating international travelers about the potential disease risks should be part of a travel consultation with a travel health specialist," commented Beverly Schaefer, RPh. 

"International travelers visiting areas with increased risk of polio should get a one-time polio booster dose before traveling,' added Schaefer with Katterman's Sand Point Pharmacy in Seattle, WA.

As of December 9, 2024, IPVs are available at health clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.