Virus monitoring will include testing for flu and RSV.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the expansion of its virus monitoring program for air travelers, adding tests for the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to scientific detection efforts at international airports.
The agency began its traveler-based genomic surveillance program in 2021 to track instances of COVID-19 variants as international travel began to pick up. Seven airports are participating in the program, collecting 6,000 voluntary nasal swab samples every week and testing facility wastewater to keep track of the rates of viral infections.
CDC’s Travelers’ Health Branch Chief Cindy Friedman said, “Our focus is always on airports that are international hubs and have flights coming in from a broad array of international locations so we can get a picture of what’s going on globally and detect concerning strains early.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Chief Friedman as she oversees the Travelers’ Health Branch.
- For Director Mandy Cohen to seek God’s wisdom as she heads the CDC.
- For air travelers to be prudent about their health as they fly.
Sources: Reuters
