CDC's Bio-Surveillance Program Hits 1 Million Travelers at Atlanta Airport

The program continues to monitor global health threats by collecting voluntary samples from international arrivals.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:39pm

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that its bio-surveillance program, which collects voluntary and anonymous samples from arriving international travelers at airports across the country, has surpassed 1 million participants at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The program was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to provide public health officials with early insights into emerging pathogens and variants.

Why it matters

The CDC's bio-surveillance program plays a crucial role in the agency's efforts to monitor and respond to global health threats. By gathering data from international travelers, the program helps identify potential disease outbreaks and variants before they can spread widely across the United States.

The details

Through the voluntary and anonymous sample collection, the CDC's bio-surveillance program gives public health officials early insight into emerging pathogens and variants that may be entering the country. The program was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be an important tool in the agency's efforts to monitor and respond to global health threats.

  • The CDC's bio-surveillance program was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The program has now surpassed 1 million participants at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The national public health agency that conducts critical research and provides guidance to the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The world's busiest airport, located in Atlanta, Georgia, which serves as a major hub for international travel.

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The takeaway

The CDC's bio-surveillance program at airports across the country, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, continues to be an invaluable tool in the agency's efforts to monitor and respond to emerging global health threats, providing early insights into potential disease outbreaks and variants.