New Blood Testing Device Could Revolutionize Travel Health Screenings at Airports
New Blood Testing Device Could Revolutionize Travel Health Screenings at Airports - CDC Expands Infectious Disease Surveillance at Major US Airports
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expanding its surveillance of infectious diseases at a selection of major US airports. This includes locations like Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, and San Francisco. The expanded effort involves testing for a wider range of pathogens, extending beyond the initial focus on a single virus. This means testing for over 30 different infectious agents, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, which tend to circulate more during the colder months.
The CDC’s Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program will continue to play a vital role in this expanded effort. It's part of a larger effort to improve biosecurity measures. The initiative will leverage established partnerships to continue tracking emerging variants of concerning viruses. Ultimately, the goal of this broader surveillance is to improve the nation’s preparedness for potential outbreaks linked to international travel. While this approach is arguably sensible in a world where infectious disease spread is a continuous risk, the expanded surveillance program raises questions about its potential to impact air travel. One can only wonder if such measures are efficient and effective in achieving their intended goals or lead to inconveniences for travelers without providing commensurate benefits.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its infectious disease surveillance program to four major US airports: Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, and San Francisco. This expansion goes beyond the initial focus on a specific virus and now includes testing for over 30 pathogens, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is particularly important during the typical winter surge in respiratory illnesses.
The CDC's Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program, initially developed for a specific pathogen, has been adapted to encompass a broader range of biological threats. The program utilizes a partnership with Ginkgo Bioworks and XpresCheck to perform genomic sequencing. They are taking samples from international travelers and assessing their respiratory viral landscape, with the aim to increase early detection of emerging and established diseases.
The expanded surveillance effort is vital for keeping tabs on new viral strains and tracking existing ones. This expansion builds upon the pilot program that began in 2021. By tracking diseases within the international travel community, the CDC hopes to contribute to national and global preparedness against future outbreaks. Ultimately, the program's overarching aim is to bridge knowledge gaps in global disease monitoring and strengthen our country's defenses against infectious diseases. This increased airport surveillance system reflects the growing need for biosurveillance and could provide insights into various pathogen movements and potentially help predict emerging threats.