The emergence of infectious diseases is constantly challenging medical science. In the past year a new disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), caused what could be characterized as the first pandemic of the 21st century. A particularly virulent and deadly strain of influenza led to unexpected demand and shortages in influenza vaccine in the United States. Antibiotics continue to be less effective against many bacterial infections, while many drug companies are scaling back or abandoning anti-infective research.
The ICEID program will include plenary sessions and symposia with invited speakers, presentations on emerging infections and poster presentations. Topics include lessons learned from SARS outbreak of 2003, the continued spread of antibiotic resistance, the challenges involved in predicting and preventing pandemic influenza, the rise of HIV in the southern United States, bioterrorism preparedness, forensic technology in tracking biocrimes, biosecurity in research laboratories and West Nile virus. The conference will begin with an opening session featuring CDC Director Julie Gerberding at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 29 and conclude at noon on Wednesday, March 3.
Of Special Note: Directly preceding the conference the National Center for Infectious Diseases of the CDC will hold an International Conference on Women and Infectious Diseases: From Science to Action, February 27-28, 2004 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The conference will consist of several
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Contact: Jim Sliwa
jsliwa@asmusa.org
202-942-9297
American Society for Microbiology
7-Jan-2004