American Tourists Being Warned to Travel at Own Risk as Polio Cases Rise Across the World

American tourists are being warned to travel at their own risk as a ravaging polio virus rampages across the globe, threatening to disable — or even kill — those who contract it.

Outbreaks have already been detected in 32 foreign countries, including Spain, Germany and the U.K., and have led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a travel alert to citizens, urging globetrotters to “practice enhanced precautions.”

Describing the disease as “crippling and potentially deadly,” the CDC cautions that extreme infections may cause “permanent loss of muscle function.”

Polio is a highly infectious nervous system disease that targets nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain stem. Severe cases can lead to muscle weakness and stiffness, spasms, difficulty in swallowing and even paralysis.

It can also paralyze the lungs and interfere with breathing — potentially resulting in death, according to the CDC.

Kids are said to be exceptionally vulnerable. Famous childhood survivors of the virus include Alan Alda, 90, Mia Farrow, 81, and Joni Mitchell, 82 — but all have spoken of spending months and months in painful treatment to overcome incapacitating side effects.

The menacing illness was all but eradicated in America by 1979 just two decades after the introduction of the polio vaccine, and has been sporadic ever since — but is seemingly returning with a vengeance.

Cases have been detected​ in countries including Israel, Finland, Poland, Ethiopia, Yemen, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

People carrying the virus can easily spread it through sneezing and coughing, or not properly washing their hands after defecating.

The CDC has issued an alert that most people are not aware they have been infected and has urged potential travelers to make sure they’re up to date with their vaccines before heading to at-risk countries.

Vaccines are readily available in the European countries, but are less common in African nations.

“The resurgence is serious, frightening and not surprising, given the recent mistrust placed on vaccinations,” says longevity expert Dr. Gabe Mirkin.

“The vaccine had almost eliminated the disease years ago and now we will likely see even more cases because fewer people are being vaccinated.

“People should know that it is safe and effective and get their shots now.”