Emerging Microbial Threats to Health in the 21st Century (2003)

Summary: The purpose of the study was to review the current state of knowledge and policy responses concerning emerging infectious diseases. The committee re-visited the 1992 Institute of Medicine report on Emerging Infections and re-examine factors in emergence including: • human demographics and behaviors • microbial adaptation and change • human threat from zoonosis • control of vectors • influence of the environment on microbe distribution and viability • effects of economic land development on natural reservoirs of infection • impact of globalization • public health safety measures The committee reviewed the capacity of the United States to respond to emerging microbial threats and delineate unmet needs as a member of the global community. The committee established priority needs and strategies that allow for rapid detection, response and prevention of emerging infections.