MERS Update
U.S. Citizens in the region are encouraged to monitor the CDC’s guidance relating to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS CoV) and take appropriate precautions as directed by the CDC. For more information, please visit the CDC website.
Polio Update
A resurgence of the polio virus and its rapid spread to new countries prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 5, 2014, to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The WHO recommends certain precautions to international travelers. All travelers to or from the countries currently infected and exporting wild poliovirus — Pakistan, Cameroon, and the Syrian Arab Republic — should receive polio vaccinations within twelve months of international travel. U.S. citizens should be aware that they may be subject to additional polio vaccination requirements to enter or exit these countries.
In addition, WHO declared seven countries — Afghanistan, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Israel, Nigeria, and Somalia — infected with wild poliovirus but not currently exporting it. These countries pose an ongoing risk for wild poliovirus exportations in 2014. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in these countries may wish to take additional precautions, including determining if they should receive polio vaccinations prior to international travel.
For more information, please visit this site.