Scientists in high security lab. Picture by Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff
On the preparedness front in the United States, the new National Biodefense Strategy was released on September 19, 2018. The new strategy establishes clear and thoughtful goals that will become a vital part of “managing the risk of biological incidents… in today’s interconnected world” 1. Continue Reading
Professor Benjamin J. Cowling. Photo courtesy of School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong
This is the second part of my conversation with Professor Benjamin J. Cowling about influenza pandemic prevention and preparedness. The first part was about pandemic preparedness and genomics. In this part, Prof. Cowling focuses on national and global responses.
Professor Benjamin J. Cowling. Photo courtesy of The University of Hong Kong
I recently spoke with Professor Benjamin J. Cowling about influenza pandemic prevention and preparedness.
Our conversation will be posted in two parts. The first part below is about pandemic preparedness and genomics. The second part (to be posted next week) will examine national and global responses.
Smallpox variola virus. Photo by fotovapl/Shutterstock.com
As I have researched the topic of bioterrorism, I have found this subject to be a uniquely challenging issue for society and nations to tackle to ensure the safety of their citizens. Dr. Jeffrey Ryan defines bioterrorism as, “the intentional use of microorganisms or toxins derived from living organisms to cause death or disease in humans or the animals and plants on which we depend.”1 In this article, I will point out the issues that make bioterror not only a difficult topic, but an extremely important one to focus on, as well. Continue Reading
Smallpox prevention poster at the CDC Museum
To anyone interested in the topic of public health, a visit to the David J. Sencer CDC Museum in Atlanta is a must for two reasons:
1) The exhibit provides a comprehensive, yet easy to understand overview of the history and the work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
2) It shows the various battles fought against global diseases in the past and in the present, in great detail.