Map Shows Countries Where US Has Issued Fresh Travel Warnings
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The U.S. has issued new travel warnings in response to disease outbreaks in several countries, warning Americans to "practice enhanced precautions" when visiting the affected regions.
On August 4, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a level 2 travel alert, part of its four-tier system, over global polio in several countries. Travelers are advised to make sure they are up to date with their polio vaccines. Anyone visiting the affected countries who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series may also receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.
The list of affected countries includes Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, French Guiana (France), Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Kenya, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Republic of South Sudan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Uganda, United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
In the past month, the CDC also raised Level 2 travel alerts over outbreaks of chikungunya in China, confirmed and suspected cases of diphtheria in Guinea, and outbreaks of mpox in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The CDC ranks travel alerts from Level 1 ("Practice Usual Precautions") to Level 4 ("Avoid All Travel"). Level 2 urges travelers to take stronger precautions due to an elevated risk of infection.
Why It Matters
These advisories underscore the importance of Americans staying informed about health and safety risks when traveling overseas. Conditions such as mpox and diphtheria can worsen quickly if not managed properly.
What To Know
Chikungunya in China
On August 1, the CDC issued a Level 2 travel alert for Guangdong Province, China, citing an outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus. Most cases have been reported in Foshan city.
The disease is spread through mosquito bites and can cause fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or a rash.
The CDC recommends two approved vaccines for those traveling to affected areas and encourages mosquito bite prevention measures, such as using insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows and doors.
Pregnant travelers are advised to reconsider travel to affected areas.
Diphtheria in Guinea
On July 22, the CDC announced a Level 2 travel alert for the Kankan region in Guinea due to confirmed and suspected cases of diphtheria.
The CDC said vaccination against diphtheria was essential to protect against disease, urging travelers to ensure they are up to date on immunizations. Diphtheria symptoms include fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, change in voice, shortness of breath, weakness, or fatigue. The CDC advises travelers to avoid contact with people displaying symptoms.
Clade II Mpox in Liberia and Sierra Leone
The CDC issued another Level 2 alert on July 22 for Liberia and Sierra Leone due to outbreaks of clade II mpox.
"Unlike the ongoing global clade II mpox outbreak that began in 2022, which has primarily affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), these outbreaks have affected males and females approximately equally," said the alert.
Transmission is occurring through close contact, including through sexual or other intimate contact. The CDC recommends travelers who anticipate intimate or sexual contact in affected areas are vaccinated.
The CDC advises travelers to avoid contact with people who are sick with signs and symptoms of mpox, including those with skin or genital lesions. Those who develop new, unexplained skin rashes (lesions on any part of the body), with or without fever and chills, should seek immediate medical care.
What Happens Next
The CDC will continue tracking global outbreaks and will update its travel health notices as new information becomes available throughout the year.
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