CDC Polio Travel Alert at Level 2 Worldwide
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its global polio travel advisory this week, keeping the alert at Level 2, practice enhanced precautions. The notice highlights detections across parts of Europe and Africa, including Finland, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Kenya, and reiterates that adults who finished their routine series may receive one lifetime booster before travel. Separately, CDC issued Level 2 warnings for chikungunya in China's Guangdong Province and in Bolivia. Dengue remains a global Level 1 watch.
Key Points
- Why it matters: CDC polio travel alert signals ongoing detection in multiple destinations. * Travel impact: Some adults may consider a single lifetime polio booster before trips. * What's next: Chikungunya warnings in China and Bolivia elevate bite-prevention planning. * Dengue stays Level 1 globally, requiring usual mosquito precautions.
Snapshot
CDC's Level 2 polio notice advises travelers to be up to date on routine vaccination and, for adults, to consider a one-time booster when visiting affected places. The agency also reminds travelers that polio spreads primarily via the fecal-oral route, so meticulous hand washing and safe food and water habits matter. In parallel, CDC posted Level 2 warnings for chikungunya in Guangdong, China, and in Bolivia, emphasizing repellents, protective clothing, screened lodging, and special caution for pregnant travelers and older adults. Dengue holds at Level 1 globally, meaning usual precautions are appropriate.
Background
Polio remains rare among vaccinated travelers, but the virus continues to circulate in pockets of the world, occasionally detected through environmental surveillance or limited cases. CDC's Level 2 alert is not a do-not-travel order, but it does elevate hygiene and vaccination guidance for international trips. As of this week, CDC lists numerous destinations with circulating poliovirus and confirms that no Travel Health Notices are currently at Level 3 or Level 4. Travelers should pair vaccination with careful food and water choices to reduce exposure risk.
Latest Developments
CDC polio travel alert, what changed this week
CDC reviewed its global polio notice on August 4, 2025. The advisory continues to classify polio as Level 2, practice enhanced precautions, and provides a country list that now spans parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. It includes high-traffic destinations such as Finland, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. Adults who completed a full polio vaccine series may receive a single lifetime booster before travel to these places. Good hand hygiene remains essential, since polio spreads through contaminated food or water. See CDC's Global Polio notice for details and a current map. Plain-text anchor: cdc global polio notice (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level2/global-polio?utm_source=adept.travel).
Chikungunya warning in China's Guangdong
CDC issued a Level 2 travel health notice for chikungunya in Guangdong Province, China, with most cases reported in Foshan. The agency advises travelers to prevent mosquito bites, consider vaccination if visiting outbreak areas, and seek care if fever or severe joint pain develops. Pregnant travelers should reconsider trips to affected areas, particularly near delivery, because infection around birth can transmit to the newborn. Find CDC's notice here. Plain-text anchor: chikungunya in china (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level2/chikungunya-china?utm_source=adept.travel).
Chikungunya warning in Bolivia
CDC also posted a Level 2 warning for chikungunya in Bolivia, focused on Santa Cruz department. Recommendations mirror China's notice, including repellents, long sleeves and pants, screened lodging, and prompt evaluation for symptoms. CDC notes two licensed chikungunya vaccines in the United States and advises clinicians that the live-attenuated shot should not be used in people 60 and older while safety reports are reviewed, guiding shared decision-making for at-risk travelers. Plain-text anchor: chikungunya in bolivia (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level2/chikungunya-bolivia?utm_source=adept.travel).
Analysis
For most vaccinated travelers, the practical shift is less about itinerary changes and more about preparation. A one-time adult polio booster is reasonable if traveling to destinations on CDC's list or if your risk is elevated by the trip's length or activities. Because polio is fecal-oral, not mosquito-borne, careful hand washing and safe food and water habits are as important as immunization. Chikungunya, by contrast, is mosquito-borne and can cause weeks to months of joint pain. If you plan extended outdoor time in Guangdong or Santa Cruz, think about vaccination and upgrade your bite-prevention plan. Note that CDC and FDA advise against using the live chikungunya vaccine in adults 60 and older while post-marketing safety reports are investigated. Finally, dengue's Level 1 global status still warrants repellents and screened or air-conditioned lodging during peak mosquito hours.
Final Thoughts
CDC's updated advisories emphasize layered protection rather than alarm. Confirm your childhood vaccines, consider a single adult booster for trips to listed destinations, and maintain strict hand and food-safety habits. In mosquito-risk areas, combine repellents, clothing, and screened lodging, and discuss chikungunya vaccination with your clinician if exposure is likely, especially if you are pregnant or older. With basic preparation and attention to official notices, international trips can proceed safely under the current CDC polio travel alert.