Screening for influenza infection in international airline travelers

Abstract

We sought the collaboration of an international airline and border control agencies to study the feasibility of entry screening to identify airline travelers at increased risk of influenza infection. Although extensive and lengthy negotiations were required, we successfully developed a multisector collaboration and demonstrated the logistical feasibility of our screening protocol. Wealso determined the staffing levels required for a larger study to estimate the prevalence of influenza in international airline travelers.