Polio Travel Alert in Europe
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for polio. Specifically, the travel advisory includes the UK, Finland, Germany, Poland, and Spain.
Recently, experts detected poliovirus in UK’s wastewater, sparking concern about possible polio transmission. Thankfully, authorities have not yet noted any human cases.
Correspondingly, travelers must keep their polio vaccinations up to date. In particular, health experts urge a booster dose for adults going to high-risk areas.
CDC data reports that global polio cases remain rare, with 12 wild cases in 2024. Nevertheless, the bureau still emphasizes tourists to take extra care and practice vigilance.
UK At Risk for Oropouche
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed three imported Oropouche virus cases in 2025. In particular, these travelers recently returned from Brazil. As a result, this marks the first detection of the virus in the UK.
“You are most at risk when you are travelling to an area with an active outbreak. At the moment, that’s much of South America,” noted Dr. Richard Dawood, medical director and travel medicine specialist at Fleet Street Clinic, speaking to The Independent.
Oropouche virus, which also goes by the name of “sloth fever,” spreads through bites from midges and mosquitoes. Symptoms resemble dengue or malaria and include fever, headache, joint pain, and nausea. In rare cases, the virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis.
Furthermore, research suggests possible mother-to-child transmission, linked to stillbirths in Brazil. With no vaccine or treatment available, prevention is crucial. As a result, UKHSA has urged travelers to adopt strict bite-avoidance measures.
Travel Safety Guidelines
Overall, health experts emphasize preparation before travel. Specifically, tourists should schedule a travel health consultation four to six weeks before departure. Additionally, the CDC urges confirmation of all routine immunizations.
Moreover, while abroad, visitors must use insect repellents containing DEET and wear long, light clothing. In addition, staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms further reduces risks. Notably, pregnant travelers should exercise heightened caution due to potential complications.
“In terms of what travelers can do to prevent it, general insect precautions apply – permethrin repellent and light, long clothing will protect the covered-up areas as midges cannot bite through them,” cautioned Dawood.
After returning, tourists should closely monitor their health. If fever, rash, or joint pain develops, medical evaluation is essential. Additionally, reporting travel history helps doctors identify potential imported infections quickly.
Balancing Risk and Travel Plans
Despite new alerts, officials emphasize that the UK remains a safe travel destination. Furthermore, polio vaccination and insect-bite prevention lower risks significantly. Still, awareness is vital. Tourists who follow official advice can travel with confidence.
Importantly, international travel is rising sharply. In 2024, the UK recorded over 38 million overseas visitors, nearly matching pre-pandemic numbers. With authorities expecting more arrivals, experts are reinforcing health messaging at airports and ports.
Travelers should view these updates as reminders, not deterrents. With the right precautions, they can protect both personal health and public safety.
Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash
