# Polio Alert: What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know Before Your Next International Trip
If you’re planning international travel from Ottawa this winter, there’s an important health update you need to know about. The World Health Organization has declared the international spread of polio a public health emergency, with dozens of countries now reporting active transmission. Canadian health authorities have issued a Level 2 travel health advisory—meaning enhanced precautions are required before departure.
## Understanding the Polio Risk
Polio is a highly infectious viral illness that spreads easily from person to person. While many people experience only mild symptoms, the virus can invade the nervous system in severe cases, leading to irreversible paralysis or weakness. There’s no cure once infection occurs, making prevention through vaccination absolutely critical for travellers.
The virus is currently circulating in over thirty countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and surprisingly, even parts of Europe including Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
## Special Requirements for Long-Term Travellers
If you’re planning an extended stay—longer than four weeks—in Afghanistan, Algeria, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Guinea, Israel and Palestine, or Pakistan, pay close attention. The WHO now requires travellers leaving these countries to show proof of polio vaccination received within the past year but at least four weeks before departure. This applies even if you completed your childhood vaccination series in Canada.
You’ll need an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis to document your immunization status. These certificates are available through designated yellow fever vaccination centres across Canada, including here in Ottawa.
## What Every Traveller Should Do
Regardless of your destination, confirm your polio vaccination status is current before any international trip. The routine childhood series provides excellent protection, but some adults may need a booster depending on their travel history and destination.
Schedule a pre-travel consultation ideally six weeks before departure—though even last-minute appointments are valuable. During your consultation, a travel health specialist will review your immunization records, assess your specific itinerary and activities, and recommend any necessary vaccines or preventive medications.
Don’t let outdated vaccination records compromise your health or travel plans. Ottawa travellers have convenient access to expert travel health guidance without leaving home, making preparation easier than ever.
Planning to visit an affected destination? Our ISTM-certified travel health physicians provide personalized consultations 7 days a week — virtually, from anywhere in Ottawa. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.