In these papers drawn from the January 2003 workshop, contributors describe methods of building integrated systems to combat epidemics and bio-terrorism. Their general topics include developing epidemiology with laboratory support as a biological attack identification tool, using national approaches to biodefense, and conducting risk assessment, cr.

In the wake of September 11th and recent anthrax events, our nation's bioterrorism response capability has become an imminent priority for policymakers, researchers, public health officials, academia, and the private sector. In a three-day workshop, convened by the Institute of Medicine's Forum on Emerging Infections, experts from each of these communities came together to identify, clarify, and prioritize the next steps that need to be taken in order to prepare and strengthen bioterrorism response capabilities. From the discussions, it became clear that of utmost urgency is the need to cast the issue of a response in an appropriate framework in order to attract the attention of Congress and the public in order to garner sufficient and sustainable support for such initiatives. No matter how the issue is cast, numerous workshop participants agreed that there are many gaps in the public health infrastructure and countermeasure capabilities that must be prioritized and addressed in order to assure a rapid and effective response to another bioterrorist attack.

In the battle against bioterrorism, one of the greatest challenges is finding the ideal balance between complacency and overreaction. The goal is to be so well prepared that we can prevent catastrophic outcomes in the event of a bioterrorist attack, while strengthening our ability to prevent and treat naturally-occurring infectious diseases.Bioterr

This issue is directed to infectious disease specialist, pediatricians, emergency preparedness planners, public health specialists, and infection control officer and practitioners. It will help readers understand how their individual areas of expertise must fit together in an integrated manner for management of urgent situations. Most important are clinicians being involved in patient evaluation and clinical care delivery. Included will be: Bioterrorism and Bioterrorism Preparedness; Potential Bioterrorism Agents: Anthrax; Plague;Tularemia; Botulism; Smallpox; Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers - Current Status of Endemic Disease and Strategies for Control; Category B Potential Bioterrorism Agents: Bacteria, Viruses, Toxins and Food/Waterborne Pathogens; Category C Potential Bioterrorism Agents and Emerging Pathogens; Practical Aspects of Implementation of a Bioterrorism Preparedness Program in a Hospital Setting; Microbial Forensics - Application to Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response