1112: Inside Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance

How do public health officials detect emerging viruses before they spread widely across the U.S.? Heather Reese, Genomic Epidemiology and Preparedness Team Lead at CDC tells us about the Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program: a cutting-edge effort that turns international travel into an early warning system for public health threats.  By combining voluntary nasal swabs from incoming travelers with wastewater sampling from aircraft, the program monitors for pathogens like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. These data help identify new variants and emerging strains, often before they begin circulating domestically, giving public health leaders critical time to prepare and respond.Driving Impact with Flexible FundingHow Public Health Can Support Modern Administrative Readiness in a Dynamic World | ASTHO