February 6, 2020

Nonpharmaceutical measures for pandemic influenza in nonhealthcare settings—international travel–related measures

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

• International travel measures:
  • No evidence was found that traveler screening was an effective method to prevent spread of pandemic influenza. 
  • Travel restrictions limiting the overall movement of people between locations (e.g., strict restrictions on all airline travel) may delay the arrival to a new locale, but does not ultimately prevent it. 
  • Complete boarder closure was found to be unfeasible, with the possible exception of small island countries. However, even for the latter, potentially substantial economic and social disruption would result in other challenges. 

Ryu S, et al. (Feb 6, 2020). Nonpharmaceutical measures for pandemic influenza in nonhealthcare settings—international travel–related measures. Emerg Infect Dis. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2605.190993