Over the last week, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) conducted a simulation involving the movement of US high-consequence infectious disease (HCID) patients from foreign soil to US treatment centers in a new HHS portable biocontainment unit (PBCU). The four-day, full-scale “Tranquil Passport” exercise, led by the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), involved more than 50 organizations and moved the patients from Canada to regional treatment facilities in Washington DC, Baltimore, New York City, Raleigh, and Atlanta. Although it was the fourth full-scale exercise between HHS, the U.S. Departments of State and Defense, and local, state, and international partners, it was the largest in HHS history, with this exercise intended to simulate such situations occurring during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The PBCU is the first US resource for isolating and transporting patients with contagious infectious diseases over long distances. As a self-contained unit that can carry up to 10 HCID patients, it can be transported by ground on the back of a standard trailer or by air via C-130 or L-100 aircraft. Key features of the PBCU include seamless internal construction for easy disinfection; a 14” walkway inset for fore/aft movement; pressure monitor, intercom, and CCTV; HEPA filtration, and generator or connection power; and entry from anti-chamber and patient pass-through.
At Emory University Hospital, where one of the two patients with fictional HCID was transported, the Serious Communicable Diseases Unit team found the opportunity to participate in the exercise to provide valuable experience and knowledge. Although its team trains regularly to care for HCID patients, the new PBCU is expected to add an additional layer of protection and safety for patients and care teams.
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Infectious Disease News:
- A deadly strain of feline coronavirus is rapidly killing thousands of cats across Cyprus in what veterinarians call the worst feline pandemic in decades. The virus spreads extremely quickly, decimating cat colonies and overwhelming disposal systems. Health experts fear the massive outbreak could lead to dangerous mutations that might eventually infect humans, echoing concerns from past zoonotic diseases like COVID-19. Efforts to contain the outbreak—through vaccination, treatment, and travel restrictions—are struggling to keep up, and authorities warn the situation could escalate further if not urgently controlled.
- A recap of the CDC’s Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recent meeting confirmed universal flu vaccine recommendations for all ages, but stated that only vaccines that are free from thimerosal as a preservative should be given. This is a compound used in multi-dose vaccine vials, and in the past has represented about 4% of the total vaccines given. Information from the CDC which references several other studies, has stated that thimerosal is safe.
- A recent update on global, regional, and national trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage from 1980 to 2023 showed that diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, measles, polio, and tuberculosis rates nearly doubled from 1980 to 2023. But this general conclusion masks that between 2010 and 2019, rates began to decrease and that during the Covid pandemic, they dropped significantly and have not recovered to pre-2019 levels. The reports suggests that targeted messages to populations most at risk, are needed to reverse this trend.
- An investigation into an outbreak in China in 2020 that killed 9 people revealed the cause as Burkholderia gladioli (pathovar cocovenenans), due to its production of bongkrekic acid. Illnesses were linked to consumption of homemade fermented corn. The toxin was found in samples of corn flour used in this traditional dish.
- USDA provided an update to their Bird Flu Strategy on June 26, 2025. Notable accomplishments include:
- Providing funding for biosecurity assessments of poultry farms that have resulted in various recommendations for improvements. More than 900 have been done to date.
- Providing funding to farmers to offset the costs of depopulating flocks.
- Opening research funding for HPAI risk management. Over 400 proposals were submitted and being considered for the ~$800 million in funds.
- The US has imported more than 26 million dozen shell eggs from Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Turkey, and South Korea for breaking and pasteurization, increasing the quantity of eggs available to consumers. An additional 14 million egg products have been imported this year, bringing total egg imports to over 40 million. This amounts to 10 times the number of eggs and egg products imported during the same period in 2024. Because of the increased supply, egg prices have decreased.
- A TB outbreak at a school in Belgium, tied to one sick pupil, has resulted in 17 sixth-grade students and one teacher testing positive. Surveillance continues.
