Travelers wearing face masks line up to check in for an American Airlines flight to Los Angeles at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. China counted 170 deaths from a new virus Thursday and more countries reported infections, including some spread locally, as foreign evacuees from China’s worst-hit region returned home to medical observation and even isolation. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Travelers wearing face masks line up to check in for an American Airlines flight to Los Angeles at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. China counted 170 deaths from a new virus Thursday and more countries reported infections, including some spread locally, as foreign evacuees from China’s worst-hit region returned home to medical observation and even isolation. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP
Herb Scribner
By Herb Scribner
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A medical professional who conducts passenger screenings at the Los Angeles International Airport has coronavirus, NBC News reports.

  • The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the information to NBC News.
  • The professional reportedly works for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What’s going on?

  • The medical screeners worked with travelers to identify the illness on Feb. 21.
  • The professional had reportedly worn protective gear while they were working.
  • According to an internal email received by NBC News, “these (contract) screeners are predominantly assigned to the CDC in-transit lounge and a few support jetway screening on direct flights from China.”
  • The DHS said in a public statement (via NBC News): “Late last night, DHS headquarters was alerted to a situation where one of our contracted medical professionals conducting screenings at LAX international airport had tested positive for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. This individual is currently under self-quarantine at home with mild symptoms and under medical supervision. Their immediate family is also under home quarantine.”

Flashback

  • The CDC added medical screeners to airports about one month ago to better identify when travelers might be infected, according to NBC Los Angeles.
  • CDC’s Dr. Martin Cetron said: “The earlier we detect a case, the better we can protect the public, and the more we can understand about this virus and its risk for spread.”
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