“The WHO rates as ‘high’ the risk of further international spread of wild polio virus from Pakistan, particularly given the expected large-scale population movements associated with Umra and the upcoming Haj…in the coming months.”-UNWHO statement

The United Nations World Health Organization says Polio type 1 is spreading through Pakistan and China.

Wild polio virus type 1 (WPV1) is more dangerous than type 3 because it is more likely to cause paralysis and spreads more easily.  The disease can affect nerves and lead to partial or full paralysis.

WHO officials are concerned that Muslims from Pakistan who’re going on Haj, to Mecca, will spread the disease to the Middle East.

Chinese health authorities have begun investigations for any further cases and launched a mass vaccination campaign in the region.