Modern quarantine lasts only as long as necessary to protect the public by:
- providing public health care (such as immunization or drug treatment, as required)
- ensuring that quarantined persons do not infect others if they have been exposed to a contagious disease.
Quarantined individuals will be sheltered, fed and cared for at home, in a designated emergency facility or in a specialized hospital, depending on the disease and the available resources. They will also be among the first to receive all available medical interventions to prevent and control disease, including:
- vaccination
- antibiotics
- early and rapid diagnostic testing and symptom monitoring
- early treatment if symptoms appear
The duration and scope of quarantine measures would vary, depending on their purpose and what is known about the incubation period (how long it takes for symptoms to develop after exposure) of the disease-causing agent.
Modern quarantine is more likely to involve limited numbers of exposed persons in small areas than to involve large numbers of persons in whole neighborhoods or cities.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.