The Iron Lung may be making a comebackā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦.
Is polio becoming a problem again?
AI Overview
Polio is not widely spreading in the US, but it is making a global comeback in a few specific regions due to falling vaccination rates. Wild poliovirus remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, while vaccine-derived strains have occasionally surfaced globally and triggered localized outbreaks.
Because the virus is only a plane ride away, health officials continuously monitor for outbreaks and emphasize the importance of vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (
CDC) recommends that all children stay up to date on their routine polio shots. If you are an adult who was never vaccinated or missed doses, you can check your immunization status and find catch-up vaccines at your local pharmacy or health clinic. For specific advice regarding travel to polio-affected countries, consult the
CDC Traveler's Health
page.
Polio Network +3