Title: CDC Expands Pathogen Testing at Major U.S. Airports
In a bid to enhance surveillance and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced plans to expand its testing for pathogens at four major airports. The airports included in the program are Boston Logan International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C., and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Under this initiative, international travelers arriving at these airports will have the opportunity to volunteer to self-collect nasal swab samples for testing. These samples will then be shipped to a laboratory network for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing. This expanded testing effort will include screening for more than 30 pathogens, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu.
The CDC’s primary goal behind this testing program is to detect new variants of the virus early on and prevent their transmission. Positive samples collected at the airports will further undergo whole genome sequencing to identify any emerging variants. Moreover, selected samples will be shared with the CDC’s laboratory for viral characterization, which will provide valuable insights into the evolving nature of these pathogens.
Aside from testing passengers, the CDC’s surveillance program will also include the examination of wastewater collected from airplanes for the presence of pathogens. This wastewater program, previously in a pilot phase, will now be implemented on a broader scale. By monitoring airplane wastewater, the CDC aims to gather additional data to ensure a comprehensive approach to disease surveillance.
It is important to note that this traveler surveillance program was initiated in September 2021, and it currently operates at six major U.S. international airports. With the expansion to the four additional airports, the CDC aims to further strengthen the country’s ability to detect and respond to emerging infectious diseases in a timely manner.
As the threat of new variants continues to loom, the CDC’s efforts to expand pathogen testing and surveillance at major U.S. airports is a proactive step towards safeguarding public health and ensuring the well-being of international travelers. These measures will contribute to stronger disease control protocols and provide important data for ongoing research and mitigation strategies.
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