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Securing Ports in a Global Age

Infectious diseases can spread at the speed of air travel, underscoring the growing need to monitor and protect our borders

Protecting our borders from the spread of infectious diseases is an ever-increasing challenge in a global economy, where a measles outbreak in Kenya can show up at a U.S. airport in less than a day. Two years ago, this exact scenario was played out at Newark International Airport, underscoring the critical role that CDC’s quarantine stations play in keeping these microbial invaders at bay.

Two major events—the 2001 anthrax scare and the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak—created intense apprehension about bioterrorism and the need to prepair for an influenza pandemic. In response to these incidents, CDC increased the number of quarantine stations from 8 to 20 during the past three years.

CDC Quarantine stations are located at ports of entry where the majority of international travelers arrive in this country. Stations are staffed with quarantine medical officers and public health officers who work closely with partners to respond to ill passengers and identify items that risk human health. They also implement measures to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. CDC has the legal authority to detain any person who may have an infectious disease, including cholera, diphtheria, infectious tuberculosis, plague, smallpox, yellow fever, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. More recently, SARS and new types of influenza that could cause a pandemic have been added to this list.

All these safeguards were in place when the newly opened Philadelphia Quarantine Station was notified this summer about a group of students who had traveled abroad and were exposed to a probable case of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is a serious infection that requires quick diagnosis. The quarantine officer notified local health officials and helped contact the students’ parents, met the arriving flight with prescriptions for prophylaxis, and provided educational materials about meningitis. Quarantine stations work closely important partners like this one to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, which support CDC’s goal of preparing people for emerging health threats.