Editorial: Biological Engagement Programs: Reducing Threats and Strengthening Global Health Security Through Scientific Collaboration

Journal Article · 12 July 2017 · Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2017.00148 · OSTI ID:1374354

Fair, Jeanne M.  ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

It is often said about infectious diseases that a “threat anywhere is a threat everywhere,” and the recent outbreaks of Ebola in West Africa and Zika virus in South America have proven that pathogens know no borders. Not only are they transboundary, pathogens do not discriminate who they infect. In addition to the natural increase in emerging zoonotic infectious diseases worldwide due to changing environmental conditions and globalization, the use of infectious diseases as warfare agents is a threat in today’s world. Early detection remains one of the best ways to prevent small outbreaks becoming epidemics and pandemics. We find that an accurate diagnosis, detection, and reporting of diseases are important components of mitigating outbreaks, and biosurveillance remains the top tool in our toolbox. And while vaccines have been important for controlling more common infectious virus diseases, they are less feasible for less common diseases, emerging pathogens, and rapidly evolving microbes. Furthermore, due to globalization and increased travel, emigration, and migration, biosurveillance is critical throughout the world, not just in pockets of more developed regions.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-06NA25396
• OSTI ID: 1374354
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-17-22487
• Journal Information: Frontiers in Public Health, Vol. 5; ISSN 2296-2565
• Publisher: Frontiers Research FoundationCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English