Biological threats to public health

A biologic threat is an infectious disease with the potential to spread and cause an emergency.

Infectious disease emergencies may occur naturally, as in a worldwide flu outbreak, or be released intentionally to hurt people, create fear, and/or disrupt society, as in a bioterrorism attack.

Learn more

• Preparing for public health infectious disease emergencies
  General information and planning for public health emergencies related to infectious disease, including bioterrorism
• Enterovirus (EV-D68)
  Fact sheet about Enterovirus D68
• Isolation and Quarantine:
  • CDC Guideline for Isolation Precautions in Hospitals
  • MA Department of Public Health Isolation and Quarantine Information
• Surveillance and Reporting
• Specimen Submission
  Submission to the MA DPH State Laboratory
• Biological agents factsheets