Yes, you can still get polio today, although it is extremely rare in most parts of the world due to widespread vaccination efforts. Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children and can cause paralysis or even death. Thanks to global vaccination campaigns, wild poliovirus has been eliminated from most countries, but it remains endemic in a few places and can still appear in isolated cases or outbreaks.
Polio persists mainly in two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. These are the last strongholds where wild poliovirus continues to circulate. Political instability, conflict, misinformation about vaccines, and difficulties reaching remote or resistant communities have allowed the virus to survive there. In 2025, Afghanistan reported a few new cases, and Pakistan also saw several, particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These areas face challenges such as vaccine hesitancy fueled by rumors that immunization is a foreign plot, and militant attacks on vaccination teams have further complicated eradication efforts.
Outside these endemic countries, polio cases are very rare but not impossible. Occasionally, vaccine-derived poliovirus strains can cause outbreaks in under-immunized populations. These strains come from the weakened virus used in oral polio vaccines, which can mutate and spread if vaccination coverage drops. This is why maintaining high immunization rates everywhere is crucial to prevent polio’s return.
Global efforts to eradicate polio have made tremendous progress. India was declared polio-free in 2014, and the entire African continent was certified polio-free in 2020. Many countries with strong healthcare systems have not seen wild polio cases for decades. However, the virus can still be detected in environmental samples like wastewater in some regions, signaling that it has not been completely wiped out everywhere.
The fight against polio is ongoing and requires constant vigilance. Vaccination campaigns continue worldwide, often involving door-to-door efforts to reach every child under five. These campaigns face hurdles such as funding shortages, logistical challenges, and vaccine misinformation. The COVID-19 pandemic also disrupted immunization programs, causing setbacks that could allow polio to resurge if not addressed.
In wealthy countries, polio is largely a disease of the past, but the risk remains if vaccination rates fall. The virus could return and cause outbreaks, especially in communities with low immunity. This is why health authorities emphasize completing all recommended doses of the polio vaccine and supporting vaccination campaigns.
In summary, while polio is no longer widespread, it has not been completely eradicated and can still infect people today. The virus remains endemic in a few regions, and vaccine-derived strains pose a risk in under-immunized areas. Continued global vaccination efforts, public education, and overcoming political and social barriers are essential to finally eliminate polio and prevent its return anywhere in the world.
