Polio is making a huge comeback

PAULA BRONSTEIN/Getty Images

Polio is making a huge comeback
(Image credit: PAULA BRONSTEIN/Getty Images)

This morning, the World Health Organization declared polio an international health emergency, saying the recent spread of the virus is cause for global concern.

The WHO specified Syria, Cameroon, and Pakistan as areas that are particularly vulnerable to polio's spread. These three countries showed higher rates of polio transmission to other countries, even when the virus wasn't as widespread. A total of 10 countries are currently reporting evidence of polio outbreaks.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.