Report

Roughly 120 million people and millions of tons of cargo pass through America's 474 airports, seaports, and border crossing stations every year.  There is a risk that some of those people or goods may harbor infectious microbes that could lead to outbreaks of naturally occurring diseases, or that they may carry dangerous biological agents intended for a terrorist attack.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is in the process of expanding the number of quarantine stations that screen people and goods for communicable diseases or other infectious threats at the nation's ports of entry from eight to 25. 

Quarantine Stations at Ports of Entry Protecting the Public's Health recommends ways to improve the quarantine system's ability to protect against the accidental or intentional importation of infectious agents.  The report discusses the roles of various organizations involved in this effort, including Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.