What is the CDC's Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance program?

The TGS program collects anonymous samples from international travelers at select U.S. airports to detect emerging pathogens and variants early, enhancing the nation's ability to respond to public health threats.

How many participants are in the CDC's travel bio surveillance program?

The CDC's travel bio surveillance program, Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance (TGS), has surpassed one million participants.

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CDC's Traveler Program Hits 1 Million Milestone

Q: Where does the CDC collect samples for its traveler surveillance program?

The CDC collects samples from international travelers at eight key U.S. airports, including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, New York City, Newark, Washington D.C., and Miami.

31 Jan

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Summary

CDC's travel bio surveillance program now includes over 1 million participants.
The program anonymously collects samples from international travelers at airports.
It aids in early detection of emerging pathogens and variants before widespread spread.

CDC's Traveler Program Hits 1 Million Milestone

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced a significant achievement, surpassing one million participants in its Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program. This initiative, established in 2021, is designed to detect and respond to public health threats at U.S. borders.

The voluntary and anonymous program collects samples from international travelers arriving at eight key U.S. airports, including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, New York City, Newark, Washington D.C., and Miami. These samples, which can include nasal swabs and wastewater, are analyzed for emerging pathogens and variants.

The TGS program aims to provide early insights into diseases, such as new variants of influenza and COVID-19. For instance, it reportedly identified specific influenza H3N2 subclade K seven days before its public sequencing. Beyond traveler samples, the CDC has also analyzed over 2,600 airplane wastewater samples.