Philadelphia Quarantine Station

Jurisdiction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) operates a quarantine station in Philadelphia. The station’s jurisdiction includes all ports in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Quarantine Station Activities

• Respond to reports of illness or death on airplanes and maritime vessels (cruise and cargo), at international ports of entry in jurisdiction.
• Partner with local and state health departments and federal agencies in preparedness activities on quarantine and isolation at ports of entry, such as the North American Pandemic Influenza Plan.
• Partner with local and state health departments on emergency response, migrant health, and other public health issues.
• Conduct tabletop exercises with local partners to ensure port and community preparedness for infectious diseases that could result in a pandemic.
• Review medical records of immigrants who will reside permanently in the United States. Notify state and local health departments and refer any migrants with specific medical conditions.
• Assist federal agriculture officers in screening international cargo and hand-carried items for potential vectors of human infectious disease.
• Train airport and maritime partners about illness reporting and response.

Annual Ports of Entry Statistics