Infectious Disease

Infectious diseases are one of the primary health risks to our military members, causing more casualties than enemy fire among those deployed in tropical regions. The impact of these illnesses on our military members range from loss of productivity to death. In addition, the need to diagnose, treat, and sometimes evacuate due to infectious disease decreases the effectiveness of certain military missions.

Boston University is at the heart of efforts to increase our nation’s ability to handle biological threats, whether they occur naturally or as the result of acts of bioterrorism. The National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) at Boston University is part of a national network of secure facilities that study infectious diseases of major public health concern.